SafePlants

Milkvetches (Astragalus)

This page provides information about various species of Astragalus, commonly known as milkvetches. Several species are highlighted, including those found in and around various National Parks.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species, like locoweeds and milkvetches, can be poisonous due to selenium content.

Scientific Names and Common Names:

• Astragalus leptaleus A. Gray: Park Milkvetch
• Astragalus lentiginosus: Freckled Milkvetch, Sodaville Milkvetch
• Astragalus lotiflorus: Low Milkvetch
• Astragalus schmolliae C.L. Porter: Schmoll's Milkvetch
• Astragalus cremnophylax Barneby var. cremnophylax Barneby: Sentry Milk-Vetch
• Astragalus ampullarioides (Welsh) Welsh: Shivwits Milk-Vetch
• Astragalus brauntonii: Braunton's Milkvetch
• Astragalus flexuosus: Pliant Milkvetch
• Astragalus utahensis: Utah Milkvetch

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Family: Pea Family (Fabaceae)

Distribution and Habitat:

• Sentry Milk-Vetch (Astragalus cremnophylax var. cremnophylax): Found on the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino County, Arizona, specifically on a white layer of Kaibab limestone.
• Park Milkvetch (Astragalus leptaleus): Occurs in disjunct areas. A systematic survey was conducted in Idaho prior to 1991. Also found in desert shrub and pinyon-juniper habitats in Arches National Park.
• Shivwits Milk-Vetch (Astragalus ampullarioides): Approximately 60% of the population occurred at a single 0.3-ha site in a park.
• Other locations mentioned: Great Basin National Park (Nevada), Jasper National Park (Alberta, Canada), Olympic National Park, Columbia River Gorge (Oregon and Washington), Mall National Park.

Ecological Role:

• The Sentry Milk-Vetch is endangered and endemic to Grand Canyon National Park, threatened by habitat loss.
• Designated Critical Habitat for Braunton's Milk-Vetch, indicating conservation efforts are in place.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Schmoll's milkvetch is a perennial wildflower that grows to 1-2 feet tall, with creamy white flowers.
• Braunton's milk-vetch is a perennial plant with a three to five-year lifespan.
• The Park Milkvetch develops in height and develops a bare stem, creating a thick crown.

Further Information:

• USDA Forest Service designates Astragalus leptaleus (Park Milkvetch) as a sensitive species.
• Recovering endangered Sentry Milk-Vetch in Grand Canyon National Park is being undertaken by GrandCanyonNPS.