SafePlants

Astragalus gilensis: Gila Milkvetch

Astragalus gilensis, commonly known as Gila milkvetch, is a perennial plant belonging to the milkvetch family. This page provides information about its classification, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the common name "locoweed" for some Astragalus species. While not specifically stated for Astragalus gilensis, it's worth noting that some locoweeds are known to be toxic to livestock.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus gilensis Greene
• Common Name: Gila milkvetch
• Genus: Astragalus L.
• Family: Fabaceae
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but the text lists several other Astragalus species.

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is associated with the Gila River and surrounding areas like the Salt River, Colorado River, Santa Cruz River, Verde River, San Pedro River, and Little Colorado River.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Gila Wilderness and Gila National Forest in Catron County, New Mexico.
• Also found in Lower Colorado River region

Morphological Characteristics

• Astragalus gilensis is described as a perennial milkvetch without a stem.
• The leaves are basal and consist of 11-21 leaflets.
• The pubescence is dolabriform (shaped like a pickaxe).

Ecological Role

• The text highlights the vulnerability of related milkvetch species like Packard's milkvetch and Skiff milkvetch to threats such as off-road vehicle use, habitat destruction, cheatgrass incursion, and global warming. These threats may potentially impact Astragalus gilensis as well.

Conservation

• Packard's milkvetch is mentioned as needing immediate protection from off-road vehicles.
• Skiff milkvetch's range has been reduced to only 83 acres and is threatened by development, cheatgrass incursion, and global warming.

Cultivation

• The text recommends fertilizing Gila milkvetch when planting and every 2-3 years, towards the end of winter or the beginning of autumn.
• Fertilization should be done with humus or mature manure.

Related Species

• The text mentions several other Astragalus species, including:
  • Astragalus fucatus (Hopi Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus gilviflorus (plains milkvetch)
  • Astragalus gracilis (slender milkvetch)
  • Astragalus equisolensis (Horseshoe Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus linifolius (Grand Junction Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus eurylobus (Needle Mountain Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus eurekensis (Eureka Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch)
  • Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch)
  • Astragalus humillimus (Cutler's Milk-vetch, Mancos Milk-vetch)
  • Astragalus cronquistii (Marble Canyon Milk-vetch)
  • Astragalus jaegerianus (Lane Mountain milk-vetch)
  • Astragalus tricarinatus (Triple-ribbed milk-vetch)
  • Astragalus neomexicanus (New Mexico milkvetch)
  • Astragalus montii (Heliotrope Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus anserinus (Goose Creek milkvetch)
  • Astragalus thurberi (Thurber's milkvetch)

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS database
• Encyclopedia of Life
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): TSN 25524