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Napa milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus clarianus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Napa Milkvetch (Astragalus clarianus)
Astragalus clarianus, commonly known as Napa milkvetch or Clara Hunt's milkvetch, is a rare forb/herb within the genus Astragalus. The name "locoweed" is also sometimes used for milkvetch species in North America.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus clarianus Jeps.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonym: Astragalus claranus (orth. var.) - This is an orthographic variant.
- Common Names: Napa milkvetch, Clara Hunt's milkvetch, milkvetch (general term for many Astragalus species), locoweed (used for some Astragalus species, particularly in North America)
Distribution and Habitat
- Astragalus clarianus is endemic to California, specifically Napa County, and also occurs in Merced, Alameda and Yolo counties.
- It has been observed growing in openings in oak woodland communities in Napa County.
Morphological Characteristics
- Astragalus clarianus is described as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody, non-grass plant.
Ecology
- This plant is rare.
- Important nectar plants for insects such as M. separata.
Further Information
- Additional information can be found in the files of Bothe Napa Valley State Park.
- Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Astragalus clarianus.
- Encyclopedia of Life: Information on the Astragalus genus.
- Jepson eFlora.