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Crescent milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus amphioxys var. musimonum

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 (Fabaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • Some plants in the Astragalus genus are referred to as "locoweeds".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus amphioxys A. Gray
  • Common Name: Crescent Milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae in "A Utah Flora") - Pea Family
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Astragalus amphioxys var. amphioxys
    • Astragalus amphioxys var. musimonum (Barneby) Barneby

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in the American southwest, including Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.
  • Grows in sandy or gravelly soils, arid grasslands, or pinyon-juniper forests.
  • Observed in open desert, sandy areas with slickrock, such as Glen Canyon near Bullfrog.
  • Prefers sandy areas in the Four Corners region.
  • Found at elevations between 2000 and 6500 feet.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A perennial herb growing from a taproot.
  • Typically grows to a height of 8 to 18 inches (20 to 45 cm).
  • Has grayish-green oval leaflets covered with fine hairs, growing in compound leaves.
  • Features purple "pea" flowers.
  • The plant generally grows erect, with a relatively bare stem in the lower part and branching towards the top.
  • Seed pods are crescent-shaped, curved, and pointed at both ends, measuring 0.75-2 inches (2-5 cm) long.
  • Pods have only one chamber.

Traditional Uses

  • The Zuni people use the plant medicinally, employing the fresh or dried root.
  • Historically used as a snake bite remedy by the Zuni.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Observed with bumblebees.

Resources and Further Information

  • Discover Life: Has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus amphioxys.
  • USDA: Some data initially imported from the USDA.
  • WildflowersWest: Has more information about Crescent Milkvetch.
  • Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.