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Crescent milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus amphioxys

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Crescent Milkvetch (Astragalus amphioxys)

Astragalus amphioxys, commonly known as crescent milkvetch, is a perennial herb belonging to the Pea Family (Fabaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces pods that are curved and pointed at both ends.
  • Several species of Astragalus are also called "locoweed," primarily in North America, which may be relevant to know for toxicity reasons.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus amphioxys A. Gray
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae or Pea Family)
  • Common Name: Crescent Milkvetch
  • Subspecies/Varieties:
    • Astragalus amphioxys var. amphioxys
    • Astragalus amphioxys var. musimonum (Barneby) Barneby
    • Astragalus amphioxys var. sonorae
  • Synonyms: The text mentions several names for "Milkvetch" as well as "Locoweed" indicating a large amount of synonyms.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Crescent milkvetch is found in the American Southwest, including areas such as Arches National Park in Utah and Glen Canyon near Bullfrog.
  • It thrives in sandy or gravelly soils, arid grasslands, and pinyon-juniper forests.
  • It is often found in sandy areas, including open desert and slickrock environments.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a perennial forb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass) growing from a taproot.
  • The plant reaches a height of 8 to 18 inches (20 to 46 cm).
  • Leaves are compound and hairy, with grayish-green oval leaflets covered in fine hairs.
  • It produces purple "pea" flowers.
  • The seed pods are curved, pointed at both ends (crescent-shaped), and measure 0.75-2 inches (2-5 cm) long. They contain only one chamber.

Traditional Uses

  • The Zuni people use the plant medicinally, using the fresh or dried root. It has also been used as a snake bite remedy.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions a picture of the flower with a bumblebee.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite its delicate appearance, the plant is described as "tough as nails."

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of crescent milkvetch.
  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
  • WildflowersWest is mentioned as a source for information about crescent milkvetch.