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smooth loco milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus curvicarpus var. subglaber

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Smooth Loco Milkvetch (Astragalus curvicarpus var. subglaber)

Smooth loco milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus curvicarpus (A. Heller) J.F. Macbr. var. subglaber (Rydb.) Barneby, is a fascinating plant with several interesting characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species of Astragalus, including milkvetch, are referred to as locoweed. Locoweed is known to produce neurological damage that is not reversible, which might be a concern if ingested by animals.
  • Seed pods are plump, smooth, and grooved, which might be attractive to pets.
  • Seeds are described as having a smooth surface, olive or brown in color, and notched at one end, and are about 3/10 inches in diameter, which might be a choking hazard if ingested.

Considerations for Children

  • Some species of Astragalus, including milkvetch, are referred to as locoweed. Locoweed is known to produce neurological damage that is not reversible, which might be a concern if ingested by children.
  • Seed pods are plump, smooth, and grooved, which might be attractive to children.
  • Seeds are described as having a smooth surface, olive or brown in color, and notched at one end, and are about 3/10 inches in diameter, which might be a choking hazard if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus curvicarpus (A. Heller) J.F. Macbr. var. subglaber (Rydb.) Barneby
  • Common Name: Smooth loco milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referenced as Natives Fabaceae)
  • Synonyms/Related Species:
    • Curvepod Milkvetch
    • Mono locoweed
    • Sodaville milk-vetch
    • Sodaville milkvetch

Morphology and Growth Habit

  • Smooth loco milkvetch is a forb/herb type plant.
  • It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
  • The plant develops in an erect manner and, over time, can become a tree.
  • Leaves are compound with a narrow shape and smooth margins, and they are alternately attached.
  • The lower petal ("keel") of the Milkvetch is rounded.
  • Pods are held erect and are smooth-skinned (glabrous), green at first, and 7-10 mm.
  • Seeds are about 3/10 inches in diameter, rounded, smooth, and cream colored.

Distribution and Habitat

  • One source mentions Rare loco milkvetch (Astragalus leptocarpus) being native to Texas and other States.
  • The Milk-vetch East of the Cascade Mts. of Oregon and Washington.

Additional Information

  • The species is also referred to as purple loco.