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Cusick's milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus cusickii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cusick's Milkvetch: A Botanical Profile

This page provides information about Astragalus cusickii, commonly known as Cusick's Milkvetch. It's important to note that while milkvetch is referenced on Garden Guides, this page focuses specifically on the Astragalus cusickii species and its varieties.

Considerations for Pets

  • Milkvetch is sometimes referred to as locoweed, so named in the western US.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus cusickii A. Gray
  • Common Name: Cusick's Milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referenced as Fabales)
  • Genus: Astragalus
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Varieties:
    • Astragalus cusickii A. Gray var. cusickii
    • Astragalus cusickii A. Gray var. flexilipes Barneby
    • Astragalus cusickii var. sterilis (Barneby) Barneby (Sterile milk-vetch)
  • Synonyms: Although not explicitly listed as synonyms, the text references several related names, suggesting potential taxonomic connections or historical classifications:
    • Locoweed (some species)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to the intermountain west region of the United States.
  • Specifically observed along Oregon Highway 3 near the Oregon-Washington border.
  • Also found in Idaho (Variety presence in Idaho).
  • Observed near Brogan Hill, Oregon (Hwy 26, 2 mi. SE of Brogan Hill).
  • Observed near Succor Creek.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A perennial forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Blooms from May to July.
  • The development of the Cusick's milkvetch is erect in general.
  • Pretty bare stem in the lower part, with many ramifications developing towards the top.

Ecological Role

  • The plant is native to the specified regions.

Conservation Status

  • Var. cusickii is considered a sensitive taxon and is threatened.
  • Var. sterilis is considered limited.

Related Species

  • Other plants in the Astragalus genus mentioned include:
    • Astragalus atratus var. owyheensis (Owyhee Mning Milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus columbianus
    • Astragalus arthurii (Arthur's milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus asotinensis (Asotin milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus desperatus (rimrock milkvetch)
    • Astragalus diaphanus (transparent milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus mulfordiae (Mulford's milkvetch)
    • Astragalus canadensis (Canada milkvetch, Canadian milkvetch)
    • Astragalus agrestis (Purple Milkvetch, Purple milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus alpinus (Alpine milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus australis var. olympicus (Cotton's milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus chamaeleuce (cicada milkvetch)
    • Astragalus curvicarpus (Curvepod milkvetch)
    • Astragalus carlcz'nus (Buckwheat milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus succumbens (Crouching milk-vetch)
  • Other plants with the Cusick's name include:
    • Camassia cusickii (Cusick's Camas)
    • Chaenactis cusickii (Cusick's False Yarrow)
    • Castilleja cusickii (Cusick's Indian paintbrush)
    • Lathyrus nevadensis ssp. cusickii (Cusick's Peavine)
    • Lupinus cusickii (Cusick's lupine)

Further Resources

  • Referenced article: Barneby, R. C. 1989. Fabales, In: A. Cronquist, A. H. Holmgren, N. H. Holmgren, J. L. Reveal.