SafePlants

Prairie Milkvetch and Related Species

This page provides information on various milkvetch species, particularly focusing on those found in prairie environments. The genus Astragalus is diverse, and this content explores the taxonomy, distribution, and ecological interactions of several notable members.

Considerations for Pets

• Some milkvetch species, such as Spiny Milkvetch (Astragalus kentrophyta), possess a spiny morphology.

Considerations for Children

• Seed pods are mentioned in connection to "Ben Franklin" exasperations, although the connection is not expanded upon and the meaning remains unclear.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Several species of Astragalus are mentioned, including Astragalus adsurgens, Astragalus laxmannii, Astragalus canadensis, Astragalus filipes, Astragalus microcymbus, Astragalus holmgreniorum, Astragalus ntahensis, Astragalus kentrophyta, Astragalus crassicarpus, Astragalus cicer, and Astragalus agrestis.
• Common Names: Prairie milkvetch, Canada milkvetch, Laxmann's milkvetch, standing milkvetch, tufted milkvetch, basalt milkvetch, Holmgren milk-vetch, skiff milkvetch, Schmoll's milkvetch, Deseret milkvetch, Utah milkvetch, spiny milkvetch, common milkvetch, grooved milkvetch, ascending purple milkvetch, field milkvetch, and curvepod milk-vetch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Synonyms: Astragalus adsurgens is a synonym for Prairie Milkvetch. Astragalus laxmannii Jacq. var. robustior (Hook.) Barneby &amp S.L. Welsh is listed.

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus adsurgens var. robustior is found in Minnesota, representing the eastern edge of its range in North America.
• Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies and sand prairies.
• Various milkvetch species are mentioned in connection to regions such as: Minnesota, Mountain-Prairie Region, the Western United States of America, Lincoln Creek Prairie (Aurora, Nebraska), and Wolf Road Prairie (Cook County, Illinois).

Ecological Role

• Canada Milk Vetch is a nectar source for bumblebees and honeybees.
• It serves as food for herbivores like deer, groundhogs, and rabbits.
• Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals.
• The ecological and agronomic consequences of introducing Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) into Mixed Prairie grassland are under study.

Morphological Characteristics

• Canada Milk Vetch (Astragalus canadensis) has "towers of yellow flowers rising above dark green leaves."
• Curvepod milk-vetch is described as a tufted, numerous branched, prostrate perennial.
• Astragalus crassicarpus is a perennial that reaches a height of 1-6 inches.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are attracted to Canadian Milk Vetch.

Further Information

• The Mountain-Prairie Regional Office is mentioned.
• USDA is listed as a source.