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rimrock milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus desperatus var. desperatus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Rimrock Milkvetch (Astragalus desperatus)
Astragalus desperatus, commonly known as Rimrock Milkvetch, is a perennial herb found in specific environments. It's important to consider its characteristics when it comes to pets and children.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant belongs to the Astragalus genus, some species of which are known as locoweed.
- The text does not describe any specific toxicity.
Considerations for Children
- This plant belongs to the Astragalus genus, some species of which are known as locoweed.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus desperatus M.E. Jones
- Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae in some sources) - Pea Family
- Genus: Astragalus L.
- Common Name: Rimrock Milkvetch
- Subordinate Taxa: Astragalus desperatus var. desperatus
- Infraspecific Taxa: Astragalus desperatus var. petrophilus M.E. Jones
- Synonyms: Other scientific names may exist but aren't specified in this text.
Distribution and Habitat
- Rimrock Milkvetch is found in semi-desert environments.
- It grows in small pockets of soil on sandstone outcrops, hence the "rimrock" connotation.
- Specific locations mentioned include Alcove Nature Trail, Colorado National Monument, CO; Butler Wash; and Canyonlands.
- It can also be found in cracks or eroded depressions on sandstone rimrock ledges and mesa tops.
- It is observed in western Colorado and the Four Corners area
Morphological Characteristics
- Rimrock Milkvetch is a perennial herb.
- It typically grows to a height of 0.4 inches to 1 foot (1 to 30 cm).
- The plant is described as a subshrub or forb/herb.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "locoweed" is sometimes associated with plants in the genus *Astragalus*.
- The specific epithet "desperatus" might refer to the plant's seemingly precarious habitat on rimrock ledges.
Related Species
- Other Astragalus species mentioned include:
- Astragalus desperatus var. conspectus
- Astragalus chamaeleuce
- Astragalus coltonii
- Astragalus debequaeus
- Astragalus asclepiadoides
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus clevelandii
- Astragalus danicus
- Astragalus falcatus
- Astragalus humillimus
- Astragalus convallarius
Further Information
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus desperatus.
- Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- The USDA provides information on Astragalus desperatus.