SafePlants

Cicer Milkvetch and Related Species

This page provides information about various milkvetch species, including Cicer milkvetch, Yellow milkvetch, and Dwarf Yellow milkvetch, detailing their characteristics, distribution, and uses.

Considerations for Pets

• Many milkvetch species produce pods containing seeds.
• Some species, like Peck's milkvetch, have a deep taproot.

Considerations for Children

• Many milkvetch species produce pods containing seeds.
• Some species, like Peck's milkvetch, have a deep taproot.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Several Astragalus species are mentioned, including Astragalus cicer, Astragalus flavus, Astragalus boeticus, Astragalus giganteus, Astragalus hamosus, Astragalus triphyllus, Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus macrocarpus, Astragalus canadensis, and Astragalus Douglasii.
• Common Names: Cicer milkvetch, Yellow milkvetch, Dwarf Yellow milkvetch, Plains Milkvetch, Yellow Tufted Milkvetch, Chinese Milkvetch, Liquorice Milk-vetch, Wild Liquorice, Wild Licorice, Chickpea Milkvetch, Canada Milkvetch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae (Legume, Pea, or Bean Family)
• Synonyms: Astragalus triphyllus is a synonym for Orophaca caespitosa. Astragalus flavus is a synonym for Yellow milkvetch.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cicer milkvetch is introduced to cool season environments.
• Astragalus Douglasii grows in grassland, foothill woodland, and yellow pine forest.
• The text mentions various locations, including the Sacramento Mountains, Palestine, China, and Israel.

Ecological Role

• Cicer milkvetch is mentioned as being introduced to cool season environments for pasture and forage.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cicer milkvetch is a perennial legume.
• Peck's milkvetch is a prostrate perennial with a deep taproot.
• Flowers are often pale yellow or white, sometimes dirty pale yellow.
• The inflorescence of Cicer milkvetch is a spike of up to 60 flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions a disease affecting standing milkvetch called yellow stunt and root rot, caused by Embellisia sp.
• Cicer milkvetch is not competitive with birdsfoot trefoil, red clover, or sainfoin when stands are cut for forage.

Further Information

• Discover Life hosts pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus flavus.
• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• ResearchGate is mentioned as a professional network for scientists.