Hoita macrostachya

Leather root is a robust perennial, native to California’s coastal and inland valleys. It forms dense clumps of trailing or ascending stems with trifoliate leaves and showy clusters of purple-to-lavender, pea-like flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. It thrives in full sun to light shade, and prefers well-drained soils, though it tolerates clay. While somewhat drought tolerant, it enjoys deep summer irrigation. This species is ideal for slope stabilization and habitat restoration. It attracts bees and butterflies while fixing nitrogen in the soil, creating a resilient, ecologically-supportive landscape.