SafePlants

Astragalus curvicarpus - Curvepod Milkvetch

Astragalus curvicarpus, commonly known as curvepod milkvetch, is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae (pea) family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus curvicarpus (A. Heller) J.F. Macbr.
• Common Name: Curvepod Milkvetch
• Genus: Astragalus L.
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Synonyms: Spiral-pod rattle-weed
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus curvicarpus (A. Heller) J.F. Macbr. var. curvicarpus
  • Astragalus curvicarpus (A. Heller) J.F. Macbr. var. brachycodon (Barneby) Barneby

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Curvepod milkvetch is a tufted, numerous-branched perennial.
• It has prostrate growth with spreading to ascending stems, typically 10-40 cm long.
• Some sources describe it as grayish and freely-branched, with stems ascending to erect, 1-4 dm long.
• It has gray-green foliage.
• Bloom Period: Late Summer
• Flower Color: Yellow
• Fruit Conspicuous: Yes
• Leaf Type: Not specified
• Drought Tolerance: High

Distribution and Habitat

• Observed in Pine Forest Range, Humboldt Co., Nevada.

Ecological Role

• Native to some regions.

Cultivation

• Actively grows in spring and summer.
• Prefers dry conditions. Water only when the soil is perfectly dry.

Related Species

• Henderson's milk vetch
• Humboldt milk vetch
• Gunnison milkvetch (Astragalus curvicarpus anisus M.E. Jones)
• American Sickle (another common name)
• Freckled milkvetch (Astragalus gibbsii)
• Woolypod milkvetch (Astragalus obscurus)
• Bolander's milkvetch (Astragalus bolanderi)
• Little gray milkvetch (Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus)

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Garden Guides
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life
• USDA Plants Database
• CalPhotos
• Oregon Flora Project Atlas
• E-Flora BC
• Brousseau Collection (Saint Mary's College)
• GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)