- Mt. Persis is Mt. Index’s little sister. One might say Persis is Index’s stunted twin, for the two peaks share a lot of “facial features.” Both are steep walled on the north and east sides and both are rugged but relenting on their south and west sides. This is understandable, as both peaks are part of a granodiorite intrusion emplaced in the early Tertiary Period (50-60 million years ago).
- Lotus corniculatus L. (plants.sc.egov.usda.gov)
Birdsfoot trefoil is a moderately long-lived herbaceous perennial legume. It has a well developed, branching, tap-like root with side roots near the soil surface. Most cultivars are erect and grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet. The stems are slender, branch well, and are moderately leafy. Leaves are smooth and consist of 5 leaflets. The bloom is made up of a cluster of bright yellow flowers arranged in a whorl at the end of the flowering stems. When ripe, the brown seed pods extend outward from the stalk and look like a bird’s foot. The plant remains green and succulent during and after seed ripening. There are an average of 375,000 seeds per pound.