Dorycnium hirsutum

Sub-shrub of the Fabaceae family, present around the Mediterranean basin, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Balkans and Asia Minor. It grows in open garrigues, dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and degraded maquis, on well-drained calcareous or siliceous substrates, in full light.

It forms a rounded and dense bush 30 to 60 cm tall, with woody stems at the base, entirely covered with a silky and abundant pubescence that gives it a very soft silvery-gray overall hue. The leaves are composed of five oblong leaflets, arranged in two characteristic groups of the Dorycnium section. This silvery foliage, persistent or semi-persistent depending on the climate, is one of the most constant and remarkable visual elements of the plant throughout the year.

The flowers are small, typically papilionaceous, cream-white to pale pink with the keel tinged with pink-red, gathered in compact terminal umbels. They are followed by small reddish pods at maturity, which extend the ornamental interest after flowering.

In its natural habitat, flowering extends from May to July.

It requires well-drained soil, dry to fresh, in full sun, and easily withstands summer heat and drought. It is moderately cold-resistant and may suffer in harsh wet winters; a sheltered exposure and perfect drainage are then essential.