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Astragalus danicus
Scientific Name: Astragalus danicus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Purple Milk-vetch (Astragalus danicus)
Astragalus danicus, commonly known as Purple Milk-vetch, is a perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant was historically thought to increase milk yield in livestock.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus danicus Retz.
- Common Name: Purple Milk-vetch
- Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms:
- Astragalus hypoglottis auct. non L.
- Various other combinations for Astragalus virgultulus E. Sheld.
- Taxon Version Key: NBNSYS0000003267
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia.
- Found in southern and western Europe.
- Historically found in Gloucestershire and Yorkshire (UK), with a decline noted since 1930, particularly on chalk downland in Southern England.
- Has a local stronghold on Cleeve Hill.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial herb.
- Flowers mainly in June and July.
- Plants can grow up to 30 cm tall.
- Stems are 5-20(30) cm, mostly solitary, ascending, glabrous in the lower part, sparsely hairy above.
- Has short stolons.
- The hairs on the plant can be appressed to more rarely ascending.
Ecological Information
- IUCN Category (2001): Endangered.
- Lifecycle: Perennial.
Quirky Facts
- The name "Purple Milk-vetch" originates from the historical belief that the plant could increase the milk yield of livestock.
Additional Information
- Explore more about Astragalus danicus on EOL (Encyclopedia of Life).
- View multimedia on Wikimedia Commons.
- Further information available via Euro+Med PlantBase.