SafePlants

Astragalus gilviflorus: Plains Milkvetch

Astragalus gilviflorus, commonly known as Plains Milkvetch, is a perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is tufted and cushioned.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus gilviflorus Sheldon
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
• Genus: Astragalus
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species and variety (Astragalus gilviflorus var. gilviflorus, Astragalus gilviflorus var. purpureus)
• Synonyms: Astragalus triphyllus Pursh, Orophaca caespitosa
• Common Names: Plains Milkvetch, Cushion Milkvetch, Yellow Tufted Milkvetch, Threeleaf Milkvetch

Distribution and Habitat

• Found throughout the Great Plains, but absent in the southeast.
• Specific locations include southern Manitoba, Alberta, eastern Minnesota, southwestern Oklahoma, the Rocky Mountains, and Cascade-Sierra ranges.
• Habitats include plains to foothills, prairies, rolling plains, old pastures, cultivated fields, and sandy alluvial plains and terraces.
• Also noted to perform well from coastal locations of Alaska to the Central Plains.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Tufted, cushioned, almost stemless perennial.
• Grows from a branched, woody root crown.
• Some varieties are forbs/herbs (non-woody plants that are not grasses).
• The lower petal ("keel") is rounded.

Ecological Role

• Cicer Milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) is a spreading legume well-adapted to the western United States and is used as a forage crop.

Interactions with other organisms

• There is mention of cicer milkvetch and nitrogen fixation.
• Also a mention of how some Milkvetch are infamous for something.

Resources and further information

• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life
• High Plains Herbarium at Chadron State College
• USDA-ARS, High Plains Grasslands Research Station, Cheyenne, WY