SafePlants

Astragalus asymmetricus: San Joaquin Milkvetch

Astragalus asymmetricus, commonly known as San Joaquin milkvetch, is a species of milkvetch endemic to California.

Considerations for Pets

• Many species in the Astragalus genus are known by the common name "milkvetch" and some are known as "locoweed." It is important to properly identify the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus asymmetricus Sheldon
• Common Name: San Joaquin milkvetch, Henderson's milkvetch
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: (None explicitly stated, but the text refers to various similar species and varieties, suggesting complex relationships within the genus.)

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to California.
• Found in grassy areas.
• Specific regions include: High Sierra Nevada, southern Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi Mountain Area, San Joaquin Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Inner South Coast Ranges, and the Great Basin.
• Historically present in Alameda, Colusa, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Benito, possibly San Diego, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Sonoma and Sutter counties, but potentially extirpated in some of these areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Perennial.

Ecological Role

• The presence of San Joaquin milkvetch in the San Joaquin Valley is related to the impact on sensitive plants and animals like the San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Observed to bloom alongside popcorn flower, mustard, miners lettuce, red maids, and fiddleneck.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus asymmetricus.