No images found for this plant ID: 3928.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3928" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

scarlet milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus coccineus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Scarlet Milkvetch (Astragalus coccineus)

Scarlet Milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus coccineus, is also commonly called scarlet locoweed. It's a member of the milkvetch family, with "milkvetch" being a common name for many species in the Astragalus genus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus coccineus Brandegee
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Common Names: Scarlet Milkvetch, Scarlet Locoweed, Scarlet Milk Vetch
  • Synonyms: Cleveland's milkvetch

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the deserts, scrub, and chaparral of the Southwestern United States, particularly California.
  • Found in rocky areas and washes of the mountains of the California desert, including the Alabama Hills.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Scarlet Milkvetch is a low-growing perennial forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Features long, red pea flowers that angle upward in loose heads.
  • Plant stems have dense, whitish hairs.