Acmispon grandiflorus Plant Care

Acmispon grandiflorus (Benth.) Brouillet

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Acmispon grandiflorus, synonym Lotus grandiflorus, is a species of legume native to western North America. It is known by the common name chaparral bird's-foot trefoil.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Acmispon grandiflorus?

Plant Acmispon grandiflorus in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Acmispon grandiflorus Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Acmispon grandiflorus?

Acmispon grandiflorus (Acmispon grandiflorus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Acmispon genus. Acmispon grandiflorus is native to western North America.

Acmispon grandiflorus displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Acmispon grandiflorus produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Acmispon grandiflorus?

Water a young or newly planted Acmispon grandiflorus every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Acmispon grandiflorus Need?

Acmispon grandiflorus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Acmispon grandiflorus Prefer?

Acmispon grandiflorus tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Acmispon grandiflorus prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Temperature

50–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Acmispon grandiflorus?

Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Acmispon grandiflorus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Acmispon grandiflorus?

Feed Acmispon grandiflorus every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Acmispon grandiflorus?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Acmispon grandiflorus is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Acmispon grandiflorus?

Acmispon grandiflorus can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Acmispon grandiflorus?

Prune Acmispon grandiflorus while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Acmispon grandiflorus in Winter?

Acmispon grandiflorus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Acmispon grandiflorus?

Acmispon grandiflorus can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american bird's-foot trefoil plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Acmispon grandiflorus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Acmispon grandiflorus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Acmispon grandiflorus?

Acmispon grandiflorus is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Acmispon grandiflorus Need?

Acmispon grandiflorus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Acmispon grandiflorus is native to western North America. In cooler regions, grow Acmispon grandiflorus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Acmispon grandiflorus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Acmispon genus — compare its care with other Acmispon species on PlantoScan.

Acmispon is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Acmispon grandiflorus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Acmispon Species

Other Acmispon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Acmispon grandiflorus (Benth.) Brouillet, family Fabaceae (first published in J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 2: 390 (2008)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Acmispon grandiflorus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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