SafePlants

Colorado Spiny Milkvetch (Astragalus kentrophyta var. coloradoensis)

The Colorado spiny milkvetch is a diminutive, tufted perennial plant found in specific regions of the western United States.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as growing in "spiny mats or clumps" and possessing "persistent, spiny leaf stalks," which could pose a physical hazard.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is described as growing in "spiny mats or clumps" and possessing "persistent, spiny leaf stalks," which could pose a physical hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus kentrophyta var. coloradoensis
• Common Names: Colorado spiny milkvetch, spiny milkvetch, Nuttall's kentrophyta, prickly milk vetch, Spiny Milk-Vetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Astragalus kentrophyta ssp. coloradoensis (M.E. Jones) W.A. Weber
  • Astragalus aculeatus A. Nels.
• Taxonomic Rank: Variety

Distribution and Habitat

• The Colorado spiny milkvetch, specifically the variety coloradoensis, is limited to Utah and Arizona.
• Other related species of Astragalus, such as Astragalus kentrophyta, are native to western North America, including central to west Canada, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
• Mancos milkvetch (Astragalus humillimus) is found in the Four Corners area of Colorado and New Mexico.
• The skiff milkvetch occurs in sagebrush and sagebrush-juniper communities in Gunnison and Saguache counties in Colorado.

Morphological Characteristics

• This plant is a small, low-lying perennial, forming clumps up to 30 cm across.
• It has persistent, spiny leaf stalks and stems up to 1 cm.
• It is described as a subshrub or forb/herb.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is associated with plant communities on the Colorado Plateau.

Further Information

• Information can be found at the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP).
• Species lists of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado Office or US Forest Service.
• GBIF Backbone Taxonomy.