No images found for this plant ID: 4186.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4186" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
spiny milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus kentrophyta var. danaus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus kentrophyta: Spiny Milkvetch
Astragalus kentrophyta, commonly known as spiny milkvetch, is a perennial subshrub found in western North America.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is known as "spiny milkvetch", so pets might injure themselves on the plant's spines.
- Persistent, spiny leaf stalks remain even after the leaves are gone.
Considerations for Children
- The plant is known as "spiny milkvetch", so children might injure themselves on the plant's spines.
- Persistent, spiny leaf stalks remain even after the leaves are gone.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus kentrophyta A. Gray
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Synonyms:
- Astragalus kentrophyta subsp. danaus (Barneby) W.A. Weber (mentioned as a synonym in one instance)
- Varieties:
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. kentrophyta
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. coloradoensis M.E. Jones ("Colorado spiny milkvetch")
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. elatus (spiny-leaved milk-vetch)
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. jessiae
- Astragalus kentrophyta douglasii (Douglas' spiny milkvetch)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America, ranging from central to western Canada.
- Found in very dry, rocky meadows.
- Grows above 10,000 feet in elevation.
- Observed in locations such as Idaho and west of Cowdrey, CO.
- Specific habitats include deserts and Mediterranean Mountains.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial subshrub forb/herb with a perennial duration.
- Forms diminutive, tufted clumps up to 30 cm across.
- Stems can grow up to 1 cm.
- Crown features persistent, spiny leaf stalks.
- Petals: 5
- Leaf form: Pinnate
- Leaf margin: Entire
Common Names
- Spiny Milkvetch
- Spiny Milk-Vetch
- Prickly Milkvetch
- Thistle Milkvetch
- Kentrophyta Milkvetch
Quirky Facts
- In Israel, it has a Hebrew name: קדד משולחף.
- One source mentions the "New Mexico spiny milkvetch" developing like a tree, with a bare stem. Note that this may refer to a different species (Neomexicanus)
Additional Information
- USDA Symbol: ASKE
- Flowering occurs from May to July.
Further Resources
- Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
- Discover Life (biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution)
- Encyclopedia of Life
- CalPhotos