Spiked Hoarypea (Tephrosia spicata)

Tephrosia spicata is known by the common names Spiked Hoarypea, Brown-hair Tephrosia. The plant runner grows along the ground and the white flowers bloom on the tip of a spike that is 8-9 inches tall. The flowers are all that are visible from a distance. We found a large area of plants in a grassy area by a gravel road in Wilkes County. A few also grow at the front of our field.

The plant showing the runner growing across the ground; the runner branches. The leaves are compound. A couple of flower stalks are visible on the left side of the photo.

A closer view of the runner and leaves

A close up of the compound leaf.

The flower stalk showing a flower, face on. The flowers are pinkish-white with pale pink veining. Flowers that have finished blooming are deep maroon-red. This is characteristic of the plants we’ve seen.

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Flowers, in profile, and developing buds.

Tephrosia spicata (Spiked Hoarypea) is native to North America. It grows in the southeastern United States.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Tephrosia spicata (Spiked Hoarypea)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Tephrosia spicata

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Spiked Hoarypea (Tephrosia spicata)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Tephrosia spicata (Spiked Hoarypea, Brown-hair Tephrosia)

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index