SafePlants

Astragalus gilviflorus: Plains Milkvetch

Astragalus gilviflorus, commonly known as plains milkvetch, cushion milkvetch, or yellow tufted milkvetch, is a perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Astragalus triphyllus Pursh, Orophaca caespitosa

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is tufted and cushioned, growing almost stemless from a branched, woody root crown. While not explicitly stated as toxic in the provided text, any plant material can pose a risk if ingested, especially considering the "milk vetch" common name and plants in the Astragalus genus being infamous for being poisonous.

Description

• Astragalus gilviflorus is described as a tufted, cushioned, almost stemless perennial arising from a branched, woody root crown.
• It is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus gilviflorus, specifically the variety Astragalus gilviflorus var. gilviflorus, is found in plains habitats.
• Its distribution includes the Great Plains, but it is absent in the southeast. It's found from southern Manitoba and Alberta, south to eastern Minnesota and southwestern Oklahoma, westward to the Rocky Mountains and Cascade-Sierra ranges.
• Specific mention is made of the Pryor Mountains, where Geyer's milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri) is found on sandy alluvial plains and terraces.

Varieties

• Astragalus gilviflorus var. gilviflorus (plains milkvetch)
• Astragalus gilviflorus var. purpureus (plains milkvetch)

Additional Information

• Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) is mentioned as a forage crop adapted to the western United States.
• The text references "Dave's Garden," a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Discover Life provides a page with information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus gilviflorus.