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hangingpod milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus atropubescens
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Milkvetch (Astragalus spp.)
The genus Astragalus, commonly known as milkvetch, encompasses a diverse group of plants within the pea family. Several species and common names are mentioned in the text, highlighting the variety within this genus.
Considerations for Pets
- Some milkvetch species are referred to as "Locoweed" or "Poison-vetch," suggesting potential concerns.
- The plants produce pods that contain seeds.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces pods that contain seeds.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Astragalus L.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
- Common Names: Milk Vetch, Locoweed, Poison-vetch, Rattle-pod, and many others specific to individual species (see below).
- Synonyms and Species Mentioned:
- Astragalus humistratus (Ground-cover milkvetch)
- Astragalus jaegerianus (Lane Mountain milkvetch)
- Astragalus tweedyi (Tweedy's milk-vetch; Astragalus tweedyi Canby)
- Astragalus arrectus (Palouse milk-vetch, Hanging-pod milk-vetch; Astragalus arrectus Gray)
- Astragalus sclerocarpus (Stalked-pod milk-vetch; Astragalus sclerocarpus Gray)
- Astragalus chamaeleuce (Cicada milkvetch)
- Astragalus cusickii var. packardiae (Packard's milkvetch)
- Astragalus johannis-howellii
- Astragalus convallarius var. finitimus (Pine Valley milkvetch)
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. latus (Broad-pod freckled Milkvetch)
- Astragalus layneae (Widow's milkvetch)
- Astragalus californicus (Klamath Basin milkvetch)
- Astragalus alpinus (Alpine milkvetch)
- Astragalus purshii var. tinctus (Woolly Pod Milkvetch)
- Astragalus canadensis (Canada milkvetch, Canadian milkvetch)
Morphological Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Some species are low-growing (e.g., Slimpod Milkvetch), while others are weakly upright annuals or perennials.
- Flowers: Flowers are often pea-like, ranging in color from whitish, pale yellow, greenish, magenta, rose, pink, or white, sometimes with yellow stamens. They may be arranged in dense racemes that are upright or slightly hanging.
- Pods: A key characteristic of Astragalus is its fruit, a legume (pod). These pods exhibit considerable variation in size (up to 6.5 cm long), shape (triangular in cross-section, linear, cylindrical, spindle-shaped), texture (papery, hard, woody), and orientation (hanging down). Some pods are inflated or covered with hairs. The pods contain few to many seeds and often split open at maturity.
Distribution and Habitat
- Milkvetch species can be found in a variety of habitats, including stony alpine regions high in the mountains, vertical or under-hanging rhyolitic canyon walls, rock ledges, and coulee ridges.
- Specific locations mentioned include Squaw Creek Viewpoint (Interstate 84), the Dalles Mt. Road, Horsetooth Reservoir, Hanging Lake (Glenwood Canyon), and San Bernardino County.
- Creamy milkvetch is noted as vulnerable in Saskatchewan due to its rarity.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Insects may eat the seeds within the pods, necessitating careful collection.
- Snails have been observed on the underside of milkvetch plants.
Quirky Facts
- Plants with dry seed pods were historically used as noise-makers in religious contexts.
- Woolly Pod Milkvetch is thought to communicate a "unique message" by hanging on.
Further Information
- Voucher specimens are available at WTU (likely the University of Washington Herbarium).
- Basalt milkvetch flashcards can be found on cardkiwi.com.
- NatureServe is a resource for information on Physaria pendula (hanging bladderpod).
- NNHPs (likely Nevada Natural Heritage Program) has information available for certain species and varieties.