Pickeringia montana, commonly known as Chaparral Pea, is a nitrogen-fixing evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of California, extending into the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, and northern Baja California. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) and spreads 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) wide. The plant forms low, dense thickets with spiny branches and small, tough evergreen leaves adapted to dry conditions. During spring and summer, it produces showy clusters of bright magenta flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees.

Chaparral Pea is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky, or sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and restoration projects in its native range. It is also used on hillsides and slopes for erosion control due to its dense growth habit. In cultivation, it requires minimal water once established, prefers full sun to partial shade, and is tolerant of a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, it can be sensitive to overwatering and root rot. Chaparral Pea is not typically grown for its culinary or medicinal properties, but its role in nitrogen fixation and habitat restoration is significant.CC BY-SA 4.0