Wedgeleaf Deervetch Plant Care

Wedgeleaf Deervetch (Hosackia oblongifolia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Hosackia genus. Wedgeleaf Deervetch is native to western North America from Oregon to northern Mexico. Wedgeleaf Deervetch is also known as Oblongleaf Bird's-foot Trefoil, Hosackia cuprea, Hosackia lathyroides.

Wedgeleaf Deervetch displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Wedgeleaf Deervetch produces small yellow pea-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wedgeleaf Deervetch 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.

Wedgeleaf Deervetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hosackia oblongifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Wedgeleaf Deervetch prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Wedgeleaf Deervetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wedgeleaf Deervetch 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.

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

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

Wedgeleaf Deervetch 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.

Wedgeleaf Deervetch 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.

Prune Wedgeleaf Deervetch 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.

Wedgeleaf Deervetch 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.

Wedgeleaf Deervetch can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lotus formosissimus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Wedgeleaf Deervetch is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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.

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