SafePlants

Two-Grooved Milkvetch (Astragalus bisulcatus)

Astragalus bisulcatus, commonly known as two-grooved milkvetch or silver-leafed milkvetch, is a perennial plant recognized for its distinctive characteristics and ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is also called two-grooved poisonvetch, a name that warrants further investigation into the plant's effects.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus bisulcatus (Hook.) A. Gray
• Common Names: Two-grooved milkvetch, silver-leafed milkvetch, two-grooved poisonvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume or Pea Family)
• Synonym: Phaca bisulcata

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to central and western United States and western Canada.
• Found in prairies, roadsides, and other upland habitats.
• Observed in locations such as Gunnison National Forest, Colorado, and Tatagwa Parkway in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Ecological Role

• This plant can accumulate selenium.
• It is declared a weed in Weston County, Wyoming.

Morphological Characteristics

• Leafy perennial with pea-like flowers, which can be blue or white.
• Clump-forming plant with stout stems that may be erect or decumbent.
• Leaves are pinnately compound with approximately 15 leaflets.
• The pods have two deep grooves running lengthwise and hang down in dense racemes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bees seem particularly attracted to this plant.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "two-grooved milkvetch" refers to the two prominent grooves on the fruit pods.
• Astragalus is the largest flowering plant genus, with more than 3200 species.