SafePlants

Astragalus calycosus - Torrey's Milkvetch

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

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is also known as "matted poison milkvetch", which could indicate potential toxicity.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is also known as "matted poison milkvetch", which could indicate potential toxicity.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Watson
• Common Name: Torrey's milkvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Genus: Astragalus L.
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Matted poison milkvetch, mattedmilkvetch
• Subordinate Taxa:
  • Astragalus calycosus Torr. ex S. Watson var. calycosus
  • Astragalus calycosus var. monophyllidius
  • Astragalus calycosus var. scaposus

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Southern and Central California.
• Primarily found in the Desert Mountains region.
• Also found in Utah, growing on dolomite outcrops (e.g., Gold Hill, Tooele Co.).
• Observed in Nevada, such as in sagebrush flats in drainages of Buck Mountain, White Pine County.
• Observed near Emigrant Lake, Emigrant Wilderness Area, Sierra Nevada, CA.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a perennial forb/herb.
• Features short, compound leaflets and clusters of flowers.

Ecological Role

• Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus is known to be a host plant for butterfly larvae.

Traditional Uses

• The Navajo, Kayenta people traditionally used this plant as a lotion for illness from exposure.

Related Species

• Deseret milkvetch (Astragalus) and Utah milkvetch (A. utahensis) are known to co-occur with Astragalus calycosus.

External Resources

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus.
• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus calycosus.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
• Encyclopedia of Life.
• Dave's Garden.