SafePlants

Astragalus australis - Indian Milkvetch

Astragalus australis, commonly known as Indian milkvetch, is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family.

Considerations for Pets

• As a member of the Astragalus genus, and sharing the common name "locoweed" with other species in the genus, there may be a risk for livestock.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus australis (L.) Lam.
• Common Names: Indian milkvetch, southern milkvetch, Richardson's milkvetch, milkvetch (general).
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family or Leguminosae)
• Synonyms:
  • Astragalus aboriginum Richardson
  • Astragalus linearis
  • Astragalus aboriginum
• Taxonomic Rank: subspecies (Astragalus australis ssp. australis)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to much of the Northern hemisphere.
• Found in locations such as the summit ridge of Lookout Peak, Northern Wasatch Mountains, and Shannon Terrace, Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• The species *Astragalus aboriginorum* is a perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
• It develops a bare stem, creating a thick crown.
• Leaf : pinnate, 10-14 leaflet pairs.
• Flower color: white.
• Armament: spineless
• Low perennials, loosely tufted or lying flat on the ground, short-stemmed or sometimes slightly stemmed, with a taproot and branching caudex, densely straight.
• A pretty purple flower with a fuzzy base, and somewhat fuzzy leaves.

Ecological Role

• The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.

Further Information

• USDA Symbol: ASAU4
• T.S. Bakshi Herbarium
• Discover Life: biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Astragalus australis.
• http://www.saskwildflower.ca/nat_Astragalus%
• http://www.larkspurbooks.com/fabaceae1.html