SafePlants

Astragalus atratus

Also known as Mning Milkvetch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus atratus S. Watson
• Family: Fabaceae (implied by the text's mention of "legumes")
• Synonyms/Variations:
  • Astragalus atratus var. atratus
  • Astragalus atratus var. mensanus M.E. Jones
  • Astragalus atratus var. owyheensis
  • Astragalus atratus var. inseptus

Common Names

• Mning Milkvetch
• Henderson's milk vetch, Henderson's milkvetch
• Humboldt milk vetch, Humboldt milkvetch
• Fairfield Milkvetch

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Astragalus atratus is described as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• The text mentions an erect stem that is bare in the lower part, with ramifications developing towards the top.
• It is a perennial herb.

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is mentioned in connection to Owyhee, Idaho, and Lander Co. This suggests a presence in the Western United States.

Interactions with Other Organisms

While not specifically related to Astragalus atratus, the text mentions that white-tailed deer eat the leaves of Brazos Milkvetch and mning doves occasionally eat the seeds of Brazos Milkvetch, suggesting that other milkvetches may also serve as a food source for animals.

Related Species

The text also lists other species of Astragalus, which gives an idea of related plants:

• Astragalus canadensis Canada milkvetch, Canadian milkvetch
• Astragalus accidens, Rogue River milkvetch
• Astragalus alpinus var. brunetianus, Alpine milkvetch
• Astragalus allochrous, halfmoon milkvetch
• Astragalus asymmetricus, San Joaquin milkvetch
• Astragalus beckwithii var. weiserensis, Beckwith's Milk-vetch
• Astragalus purshii, Woollypod Milkvetch

Resources

• USDA PLANTS database
• Discover Life