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Torrey's milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Torrey's Milkvetch (Astragalus calycosus)

Torrey's milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus calycosus, is a native perennial herb found in certain regions of the United States.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some common names include "matted poison milkvetch", suggesting potential concerns.

Considerations for Children

  • Some common names include "matted poison milkvetch", suggesting potential concerns.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Watson
  • Common Name: Torrey's milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Matted poison milkvetch
    • Mattedmilkvetch
  • Subordinate Taxa:
    • Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus
    • Astragalus calycosus var. monophyllidius
    • Astragalus calycosus var. scaposus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Southern and Central California, particularly in the Desert Mountains region.
  • Also found in Utah.
  • Grows on outcrops of dolomite and in sagebrush flats in drainages.

Quirky Facts

  • Navajo, Kayenta people used the plant as a lotion for illness from exposure.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A perennial forb/herb.
  • Features short, compound leaflets.
  • Produces clusters of 1 to 8 purple wildflowers.

Ecological Role

  • Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus serves as a larval host plant for certain butterflies.
  • May co-occur with Deseret milkvetch (Astragalns calycosns and Utah milkvetch (A. ntahensis))

Further Information

  • Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Provides information on Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus.
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Dave's Garden.
  • Discover Life.