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Arizona milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus arizonicus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Arizona Milkvetch (Astragalus arizonicus)

The Arizona Milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus arizonicus, is a perennial forb belonging to the Pea Family (Fabaceae). It's also known as Arizona locoweed.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some sources refer to Astragalus arizonicus as "Arizona locoweed," which may suggest potential concerns.

Considerations for Children

  • The "spiny look and feel" of dried leaf stalks may present a physical hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus arizonicus A. Gray
  • Common Names: Arizona Milkvetch, Arizona Locoweed
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Subclass: Rosidae
  • Order: Fabales
  • Genus: Astragalus L. (Milkvetch)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the USA, specifically Arizona and New Mexico.
  • Found in Northwestern Arizona.
  • Prefers sunny locations.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Life Form: Perennial forb/herb (non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Leaves: Pinnate leaves with narrow, bluish or grayish-green leaflets. Leaves appear silvery.
  • Flowers: Lavender or blue, up to 1.5 cm in size. In some species, they grow in spherical clusters of small flowers.
  • Stems: Long, prostrate stems.
  • Spines: Spineless. However, stiff dry leaf stalks remain, giving the plant a spiny look and feel.

Related Species

  • Astragalus cremnophylax (Sentry Milkvetch, Cliff Milkvetch): A rare and endangered species endemic to Arizona.
  • Astragalus cremnophylax var. cremnophylax: An endangered variety of Sentry Milkvetch.
  • Astragalus rusbyi (Rusby's Milkvetch): Endemic to basaltic soils northwest and west of [location not specified].
  • Astragalus toanus var. scidulus (Diamond Butte Milkvetch, Toana Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus (Three-corner Milkvetch): Found in Northwestern Arizona and Southeastern Nevada.
  • Astragalus Troglodytus (Creeping Milkvetch)

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution information.
  • USDA, NRCS: Distributional map available.