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halfmoon milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus allochrous var. allochrous
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus allochrous: Halfmoon Milkvetch
Astragalus allochrous, commonly known as Halfmoon Milkvetch, is a flowering plant belonging to the Pea family (Fabaceae). This species is native to the western and southwestern United States.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is also referred to as locoweed, a common name applied to plants within the Astragalus genus.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is also referred to as locoweed, a common name applied to plants within the Astragalus genus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus allochrous A. Gray
- Common Name: Halfmoon Milkvetch
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea family or Legume family)
- Genus: Astragalus L.
- Synonyms:
- Astragalus wootonii Sheldon
- Astragalus allochrous var. playanus Isely
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in the western and southwestern USA, including Arizona (Salero Ranch, Santa Cruz Co.) and New Mexico.
- Prefers sandy flats, up to 6000' elevation, such as those found in the east Mojave Desert.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- It is a many-stemmed herbaceous plant.
- It is a short-lived perennial acaulescent forb, growing up to 30 cm tall.
- Leaves are compound, consisting of 11 to 19 small leaflets.
- Produces numerous purple flowers when in bloom.
Traditional Uses
- The leaves have been used ceremonially as an emetic by the Navajo, Ramah.
Quirky Facts
- The fruits are described as greenish, bladdery, pendant, and shaped like a half-moon.
Related Species
- Astragalus canadensis L. var. canadensis (Canadian Milkvetch)
- Astragalus accidens var. hendersonii (Henderson's Milkvetch)