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groundplum milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus crassicarpus var. berlandieri

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Ground Plum (Astragalus crassicarpus)

Also known as Prairie Plum, Groundplum Milkvetch, Buffalo Bean, Buffalo Plum, Buffalo Pea, and Pomme de Prairie, Astragalus crassicarpus is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has fleshy, round or oval seedpods that may attract animals.
  • There is a mention of "sharp, beaklike point" on the fruit.
  • Many species of Astragalus contain toxic substances.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant has fleshy, round or oval seedpods that may attract children.
  • There is a mention of "sharp, beaklike point" on the fruit.
  • Edible fruit which resemble small plums may be eaten raw or cooked.

Quirky Facts

  • The round, juicy seed pods of Astragalus crassicarpus are a traditional Native American food called ground plums or buffalo beans.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus crassicarpus
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Papilionaceae)
  • Genus: Astragalus
  • Species: crassicarpus
  • Synonyms:
    • Astragalus caryocarpus Ker Gawl.
    • Astragalus mexicanus A. DC.
    • Astragalus succulentus
  • Common ground plum var. crassicarpus
  • Subspecies: Information not specified in text.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Grows in prairie regions of North America.
  • Observed along trails.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
  • Stems: Decumbent, extending 4-24 inches on all sides from the crown, hairy.
  • Leaves: Alternate, 2-4 inches long, bearing 15-27 oval leaflets.
  • Flowers: Tubular, -inch flowers are various shades of purple and arranged in clusters of 5 to 15.
  • Fruit: Nearly ball-shaped with a central ridge, with a sharp, beaklike point; smooth, about inch wide; plumlike, edible.

Ecological Role

  • Ground plum is a legume, and some of the nitrogen it fixes is utilized by the plant, while some becomes available for other plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Edible fruits are a traditional food source.

Additional Information

  • Referenced in the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • Listed in Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses resources.