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spiny milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus kentrophyta var. jessiae

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 native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is called "spiny milkvetch," indicating the presence of spines.
  • Persistent, spiny leaf stalks are noted.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is called "spiny milkvetch," indicating the presence of spines.
  • Persistent, spiny leaf stalks are noted.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus kentrophyta A. Gray
  • Common Name: Spiny milkvetch, Spiny Milk-Vetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Nuttall?s kentrophyta
    • Thistle milkvetch
    • Prickly milkvetch
  • Varieties:
    • Astragalus kentrophyta A. Gray var. kentrophyta
    • Astragalus kentrophyta var. coloradoensis M.E. Jones ("Colorado spiny milkvetch")
    • Astragalus kentrophyta var. elatus
    • Astragalus kentrophyta subsp. danaus (Barneby) W.A. Weber
    • Astragalus kentrophyta var. jessiae
    • Astragalus kentrophyta douglasii (Douglas' spiny milkvetch)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America, from central to west Canada and Idaho.
  • Habitat includes desert and very dry rocky meadows.
  • Grows above 10,000 feet in elevation.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Life form: Subshrub forb/herb.
  • Duration: Perennial.
  • Leaf form: Pinnate.
  • Leaf margin: Entire.
  • Diminutive, tufted perennial forming clumps up to 30 cm across.
  • Crown with persistent, spiny leaf stalks.
  • Stems up to 1 cm.