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twogrooved milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus bisulcatus var. major
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Two-Grooved Milkvetch (Astragalus bisulcatus)
Common Names
- Two-grooved milkvetch
- Silver-leafed milkvetch
- Two-grooved poisonvetch
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus bisulcatus (Hook.) A. Gray
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume or Pea Family)
- Synonym: Phaca bisulcata
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is also known as "Two-grooved poisonvetch," and can accumulate selenium.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to central and western North America.
- Found in the Western United States and western Canada.
- Grows in prairies, roadsides, and other upland habitats.
- Observed in locations such as Gunnison National Forest, Colorado, USA and Tatagwa Parkway in Weyburn, Saskatchewan Canada.
Ecological Role
- Mentioned as a county-declared weed in Weston County, Wyoming.
- Known to accumulate selenium from the soil.
- Attracts bees.
Morphological Characteristics
- Leafy perennial with pea-like flowers.
- Clump-forming plant with stout stems that may be erect or decumbent.
- Leaves are pinnately compound.
- The pods have two deep grooves running lengthwise and hang down in a dense raceme.
Quirky Facts
- Astragalus is the largest flowering plant genus, with more than 3200 species.
- The common name refers to the two prominent grooves on the fruit pods.
- Can accumulate several grams of selenium per kilogram of dry matter without showing signs of toxicity.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden
- USDA Forest Service