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standing milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus laxmannii var. tananaicus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Standing Milkvetch: A Botanical Overview
Standing milkvetch refers to several species within the Astragalus genus, notably Astragalus adsurgens and Astragalus laxmannii. These plants belong to the Fabaceae family (Pea family) and are known by a variety of common names, including Prairie Milkvetch, Lavender Milk-vetch, and North China Milkvetch.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Genus: Astragalus
Several species and varieties are referred to by the name Standing Milkvetch, including:
- Astragalus adsurgens
- Astragalus laxmannii
- Astragalus laxmannii var. tananaicus
- Astragalus laxmannii var. robustior
Distribution and Habitat
- Astragalus adsurgens is found in regions including China, Russia, Mongolia, Japan, Korea, and North America (e.g., Colorado).
- North China Milkvetch occurs naturally in Northern China and Japan.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial, typically 10-40 cm tall.
- Greenish to grayish appearance.
- Stems covered in short, flat, stiff, T-shaped hairs.
- Leaves are compound.
Ecological Role
- Susceptible to yellow stunt and root rot caused by Embellisia astragali, a fungal pathogen which can significantly reduce yields.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- American bumble bees (Bombus pennsylvanicus) are known to visit and feed on Standing Milkvetch.
- The Silvery Blue Butterfly also feeds on Standing Milkvetch.
Quirky Facts
- The species name laxmannii is derived from Erik Laxmann, an 18th-century Finnish explorer.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers resources on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus adsurgens.