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Nevada milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus bisulcatus var. nevadensis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Milkvetches (Astragalus species)

The genus Astragalus, commonly known as milkvetch, encompasses a diverse group of plants found across various regions of North America. Several species and varieties are mentioned, each with unique characteristics and distributions.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some milkvetch species are referred to as "loco weed," suggesting the potential for adverse effects if ingested.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy:

  • Genus: Astragalus
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea/Bean Family)
  • Species and Varieties Mentioned:
    • Astragalus bisulcatus
    • Astragalus bisulcatus var. nevadensis (Nevada milkvetch)
    • Astragalus purshii
    • Astragalus phoenix (Ash Meadows milkvetch)
    • Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus (Three-corner Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus lentiginosus (Freckled Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus Utahensis (Utah Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus yoder-williamsii (Osgood Mountains milkvetch)
    • Astragalus piutensis (Sevier Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus pulsiferae var. pulsiferae (Ames milkvetch)
    • Astragalus austiniae (Austin's milkvetch)
    • Astragalus australis v. olympicus (syn A. cottonii) (Cotton's milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus allochrous allochrous (Halfmoon milkvetch)
    • Astragalus tephrodes (Ashen milkvetch)
    • Astragalus malacus (Shaggy milkvetch)
    • Astragalus anserinus (Goose Creek milkvetch)
  • Synonyms: A. cottonii is listed as a synonym for Astragalus australis v. olympicus.
  • Lathyrus lanszwertii, also called leucanthus, family Fabaceae (Pea/Bean)

Distribution and Habitat:

  • Ash Meadows milkvetch (Astragalus phoenix): Endemic to Nye County, Nevada.
  • Nevada milkvetch (Astragalus bisulcatus var. nevadensis): Found in Nevada.
  • Three-corner Milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus): Nevada.
  • Freckled Milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus): High Sierra Nevada, southern Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi Mountain Area, San Joaquin Valley.
  • Austin's milkvetch (Astragalus austiniae): Sierra Nevada of California and Nevada.
  • Utah Milkvetch (Astragalus Utahensis): Great Basin National Park, Nevada.
  • Sevier Milkvetch (Astragalus piutensis): Nevada and Utah.
  • Goose Creek milkvetch (Astragalus anserinus): Goose Creek drainage of Cassia County, Idaho; Elko County, Nevada; and Box Elder.
  • Pursh's Milk Vetch (Astragalus purshii var. lectulus): High Sierra Nevada, the Transverse Range and Sierra Nevada East regions.
  • Indian Milkvetch: From the state of Washington to the Dakotas and towards south to Colorado and Nevada.
  • General Habitats: Dry, hard, white, barren saline, clay flats, knolls, and slopes; Amargosa River; dry, open areas.

Morphological Characteristics:

  • Three-corner Milkvetch: Short.
  • Freckled Milkvetch: Height 4 to 20 inches.
  • Ash Meadows milkvetch (Astragalus phoenix): rare species
  • Goose Creek milkvetch (Astragalus anserinus): rare plant

Ecological Role:

  • Three-corner milkvetch is a Fully Protected species in the state of Nevada.
  • One federally-listed endangered plant: sentry milk-vetch (Astragalus).

Interactions with Other Organisms:

  • Sierra Nevada red fox use multiple habitat types.

Common Names:

  • Astragalus lentiginosus: Freckled milkvetch, rattleweed, loco weed.
  • Also called Whitney's milk vetch, balloonpod milkvetch, balloon-pod milk-vetch or balloon milk-vetch.

Resources and Further Information:

  • Nevada Natural Heritage Program
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Database for Nevada milkvetch Natives Fabaceae.