SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 3733.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3733" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

alpine milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus alpinus var. brunetianus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Alpine Milkvetch (Astragalus alpinus)

Alpine Milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus alpinus, is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is also known as Alpine Milk-vetch and Mountain Locoweed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus alpinus L.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family, Leguminosae)
  • Synonyms:
    • Astragalus alpinus ssp. alaskanus
    • Astragalus alpinus ssp.
    • Astragalus alpina
    • Atelophragma alpinum (L.) Rydb.
    • Phaca alpina (L.) Piper
    • Tium alpinum
    • Astragalus frigidus (synonym mentioned in the context of "yellow Alpine milkvetch")
    • Phaca frigida (synonym mentioned in the context of "yellow Alpine milkvetch")
    • P ochreata (synonym mentioned in the context of "yellow Alpine milkvetch")
    • Tragacantha frigida (synonym mentioned in the context of "yellow Alpine milkvetch")
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species; Subspecies: Astragalus alpinus L. var. alpinus
  • Note: The text uses "alpina" and "alpinus" interchangeably.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Alpine Milkvetch has a circumpolar or circumboreal distribution.
  • It is found across northern North America.
  • In New England, it is rare and occurs in Maine and New Hampshire.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Gunnison National Forest, Colorado, USA
    • Irondyke Campground along the Lostine River
    • Kvikkjokk - Njunjes (Tarra valley, Swedish Lapland)
    • Glen Dole, Scotland (historical collection site)
    • Scandinavian Mountains
  • It is restricted (in Maine) to a few river-shore areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is described as a loose, straggling plant.
  • It has compound leaves composed of 5-11 leaflets.
  • The flower is a cluster of pea-shaped flowers about an inch long.
  • The upper petal is lavender, and the lower petals are white with a dark.