The Genus Tephrosia
Hoary-Peas
Family: Fabaceae
Several species of herbaceous perennials 1.5-3’ tall. Flowers can be purple, red, white, pink, lavender and appreciated by bees amongst other nectar-seeking organisms.
Part sun to full shade, moderate to regular water, hardy to temperatures at least below 15°F, some species much lower.
Larval food for white tailed skipper (Chioides albofasciatus) and the Valeriana Skipper (Lobotractus valeriana).
The generic epitaph, Tephrosia, is derived from the Greek tephra meaning “ash colored”.
Many species, widespread in both the Eastern and Western Hemisphere, where it is found in tropical and warm-temperate regions.
Photo of Smooth-Pod Hoary-Pea (Tephrosia leiocarpa) by Sue Carnahan
Smooth-Pod Hoary-Pea (Tephrosia leiocarpa) Found on rocky and gravelly slopes, often found among shrubs or under trees from 4,500-5,500 ranging across southern Arizona, south to Sonora east into Chihuahua and as far south as Jalisco. This species has variable flower color. Photo by Sue Carnahan
Thurber's Hoary-Pea (Tephrosia thurberi) Found on dry slopes among oaks and pines, from 4,500-7,000' in southern Arizona, south into Mexico. Photo by Frank Reichenbacher, SEINET
Red Hoary-Pea (Tephrosia vicioides) Found on slopes and mesas, from 3,000-6,000' in Arizona, southern New Mexico, southern Texas, south through Mexico into Central America. Photo by Liz Makings, SEINET