Turkeypeas: A Lesser-Known Native Annual Worth Knowing About
If you’ve stumbled across the name turkeypeas in your native plant research, you’ve discovered one of the more elusive members of the southwestern flora family. Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis, commonly known as turkeypeas, is an annual plant native to the American Southwest that deserves a closer look—even if information about it is surprisingly scarce.
Where You’ll Find Turkeypeas
This native annual calls the southwestern United States home, specifically thriving in Arizona and California. As a plant native to the lower 48 states, turkeypeas has been quietly doing its thing in these desert and semi-desert regions long before European settlement.
The Mystery Plant Dilemma
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for curious gardeners): turkeypeas falls into that category of native plants that botanists know exist but about which gardeners have precious little growing information. This isn’t uncommon with some of our more specialized native varieties, especially those that may have very specific habitat requirements or limited distribution ranges.
What We Do Know
The few concrete details we have about turkeypeas paint the picture of a plant that’s:
- An annual, meaning it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season
- Part of the legume family (Astragalus genus), which means it likely helps fix nitrogen in the soil
- Native to Arizona and California’s unique ecosystems
- Probably adapted to the challenging growing conditions of the Southwest
Should You Try Growing Turkeypeas?
This is where we need to pump the brakes a bit. While the idea of growing a rare native annual sounds appealing, the lack of readily available information about turkeypeas’ growing requirements, availability, and ecological role means we can’t provide the detailed growing guide you’d want.
If you’re interested in this plant, your best bet would be to:
- Contact local native plant societies in Arizona or California
- Reach out to botanical gardens or universities in the Southwest
- Connect with specialized native seed companies that focus on rare or uncommon species
Better-Known Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing annual legumes native to the Southwest, consider these better-documented alternatives:
- Desert lupine varieties that are more commonly available
- Other Astragalus species with known growing requirements
- Regional wildflower mixes that include annual legumes
The Bigger Picture
Plants like turkeypeas remind us that our native flora includes countless species that deserve more attention and study. While we can’t give you a complete growing guide today, these lesser-known natives play important roles in their ecosystems and represent the incredible diversity of our regional plant communities.
Sometimes the most interesting garden stories begin with the plants we can’t easily grow—they inspire us to learn more, connect with experts, and appreciate the complexity of our native landscapes. Who knows? Your curiosity about turkeypeas might just lead you to discover other fascinating southwestern natives that are ready for your garden right now.
