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Crescent milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus amphioxys var. amphioxys

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Astragalus amphioxys: Crescent Milkvetch

Astragalus amphioxys, commonly known as Crescent Milkvetch, is a perennial forb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass) belonging to the Pea family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is described as having pods that are "pointed at both ends."
  • The plant is called "locoweed" in North America.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as having pods that are "pointed at both ends."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus amphioxys A. Gray
  • Common Name: Crescent Milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - Pea Family
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species, Variety
  • Synonyms:
    • Astragalus amphioxys var. amphioxys
    • Astragalus amphioxys var. musimonum (Barneby) Barneby &#8211 Crescent milkvetch, Sheep

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in the American Southwest.
  • Specifically found in Utah and New Mexico.
  • Grows in sandy or gravelly soils, arid grasslands, or pinyon-juniper forests.
  • Prefers open desert, sandy areas, often with slickrock.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herbs from a taproot, growing 0.8 to 1.2 feet (2 to 35 cm) tall.
  • Grows to approximately 10 inches in height.
  • Has grayish-green oval leaflets covered with fine hairs.
  • Features purple "pea" flowers.
  • Fruit is a pod, curved and pointed at both ends, crescent-shaped, 0.75-2 inches (2-5 cm) long, with only one chamber.

Traditional Uses

  • The Zuni people use the plant medicinally, including as a snake bite remedy.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Observed with bumblebees visiting the flowers.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus amphioxys.
  • WildflowersWest provides more information.
  • Dave's Garden has community tips and ideas.