SafePlants

Eureka Milkvetch (Astragalus eurekensis)

Astragalus eurekensis, commonly known as Eureka Milkvetch, is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass) belonging to the genus Astragalus. Other common names include Eureka milk-vetch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus eurekensis M.E. Jones
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Synonyms/Related Names: Mentions of Astragalus lentiginosus var. micans and Astragalus tiehmii.
• ITIS TSN: 25512

Distribution and Habitat

• Primarily found in Utah, specifically 30 miles west of Fillmore, in the Cricket Mountains, Millard County, at an elevation of approximately 4,921 feet.
• Also found in Nevada, including Churchill, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Nye, and Pershing counties.
• Grows in sandy places around 3000' elevation, particularly in Eureka Valley.
• Specific to stabilized sand at the base of dunes in the Eureka Valley.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Eureka milkvetch develops in an erect manner, becoming somewhat tree-like as it matures.
• Develops a bare stem in the lower part, with a thick crown formed by numerous ramifications.
• Not an evergreen plant, losing its foliage during the autumn.

Ecological Role

• Endemic to the Eureka Dunes along with Eureka Dunegrass and Eureka Dunes Evening Primrose.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Three Embellisia species, including E. astragali, E. eureka, have been identified in relation to a new disease affecting standing milk-vetch.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Steven Foster Group Inc in Eureka Springs, AR.