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(Hoita orbicularis)
Roundleaf Leather-Root (Hoita orbicularis)
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Alexander Wentworth
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Alexander Wentworth
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Alexander Wentworth | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Alexander Wentworth | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-07-08T16:40:31-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for San Juan Capistrano, California
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 8" - 67" | 12" | Your precipitation may be insufficient for this plant. Irrigate N" / year. | Irrigate N" / year |
| • High Temp. | 67°F - 98°F | 82°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 22°F - 64°F | 43°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.
Summary
Hoita orbicularis, commonly known as roundleaf leather-root, is a perennial herb endemic to California, specifically found in moist habitats such as riparian zones, wet meadows, and streambanks within the mountain ranges. It typically grows prostrate or nearly so, with a spread of large trifoliate leaves that are notable for their rounded shape and glandular, often hairy texture. The plant produces erect racemes of light to medium purple pea-like flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer and are quite showy, adding a distinctive feature to the landscape.
Roundleaf leather-root is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in moist, shaded conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and native plant landscapes. It is often used in restoration projects and as a ground cover in suitable climates. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil, partial to full shade, and benefits from organic-rich, well-draining soil. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Roundleaf leather-root is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in moist, shaded conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and native plant landscapes. It is often used in restoration projects and as a ground cover in suitable climates. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil, partial to full shade, and benefits from organic-rich, well-draining soil. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
- Width: 1.5-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist habitats such as riparian zones, wet meadows, and streambanks within California’s mountain ranges
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Hoita orbicularis, Lotodes orbiculare, Lotodes orbicularis, Psoralea orbicularis
GBIF Accepted Name: Hoita orbicularis