SafePlants

Astragalus humistratus

Also known as groundcover milkvetch.

Astragalus humistratus, commonly known as Groundcover Milkvetch, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Astragalus. Some species of Astragalus, including some varieties of milkvetch, are also referred to as locoweed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus humistratus A. Gray
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Astragalus datilensis
  • Batidophaca humistrata
  • Astragalus hosackiae Greene (sometimes listed as a synonym for Astragalus humistratus var. sonorae)
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus humistratus A. Gray var. crispulus Barneby
  • Astragalus humistratus A. Gray var. hosackiae (Greene) M.E. Jones
  • Astragalus humistratus A. Gray var. humistratus
  • Astragalus humistratus A. Gray var. sonorae (A. Gray) M.E. Jones
  • Astragalus humistratus A. Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones

Distribution and Habitat

Astragalus humistratus is native to Yavapai County and other areas. Nuttall's Milkvetch, a related species, grows on coastal bluffs and along the coastal strand.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial plant.
• The plant exhibits gray-villous, villosulous, or subtomentose pubescence.
• It is a non-woody plant (forb/herb).

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Astragalus (milkvetch) are also referred to as locoweed.

Quirky Facts

• The R-E-D Code for Astragalus humistratus var. humistratus is 1-1-2.
• This plant is sometimes described as having soft, fuzzy gray foliage when growing in harsh conditions with salt spray or drought.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus humistratus.
• Additional information can be found at the Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences.
• The USDA provides distribution information for related species like Astragalus thurberi.