No images found for this plant ID: 4221.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4221" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
freckled milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb, Shrub, Subshrub
Duration: Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus lentiginosus
Astragalus lentiginosus is a species known by the common names spotted locoweed and freckled milkvetch.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is also known as rattleweed and loco weed.
- Seed pods can be 1" long and hairy.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.
- Common Names: Spotted locoweed, Freckled milkvetch, Rattleweed, Loco weed, Specklepod Milkvetch.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family) or Leguminosae.
- Synonyms: A. lentignosus diphysus (Gray.)M.E.Jones.
- Varieties:
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. palans (Freckled Milkvetch)
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. albifolius M.E. Jones – northern freckled milkvetch, Owen's Valley milkvetch, northern speckledpod milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hooker var. latus (M. E. Jones) M. E. Jones - Broad-pod Freckled Milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. negundo – Box Elder Freckled Milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. idriensis, Freckled milkvetch, New idria milk-
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. fremontii a/k/a Fremont's Milkvetch
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America.
- Found in dry, open areas, including semi-desert environments.
- Observed in the Mojave Desert at elevations below 12000 feet.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
- San Joaquin Valley (growing under oaks and junipers)
- John Day River area
- Carrizo Plain, CA
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- Grows in the following countries and regions:
- Canada (British Columbia)
- Mexico
- United States (multiple states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, and others)
Ecological Role
- Mentioned in the context of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in seeds, alongside species like Green Rabbitbrush, Indian Ricegrass, and Cheatgrass.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial herbs growing from a taproot.
- Height ranges from 6.3 inches to 2 feet (1.6 to 6 dm).
- Stems can be prostrate to ascending, hairless or coated with silver hairs.
- Leaves are linear to widely oval, divided into 19 oval leaflets.
- Seed pods are 1" long, hairy, and freckled with red.
- Blooms from April to July.
- Flowers are purple or pink.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Grows under the shade of oaks and junipers in some regions.
- Mentioned in the context of grazing animals like cattle and horses.
Further Information
- USDA Symbol: ASLE8
Quirky Facts
- Some subspecies, like the Coachella Valley Milk-vetch and the Fish Slough Milk-vetch, are on the U.S. Endangered Species list.