No images found for this plant ID: 4231.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4231" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
freckled milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus var. floribundus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus lentiginosus: Spotted Locoweed and Freckled Milkvetch
Astragalus lentiginosus, commonly known as spotted locoweed or freckled milkvetch, is a fascinating member of the legume family.
Considerations for Pets
The plant is also referred to as "rattleweed" and "loco weed", and it's mentioned that after eating this plant, cattle and horses experience adverse effects.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.
- Common Names: Spotted locoweed, Freckled milkvetch, Rattle pod, Specklepod loco milkvetch, Specklepod Milkvetch
- Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae) - Pea Family
- Synonyms: A. lentignosus diphysus (Gray.)M.E.Jones
Distribution and Habitat
This species is native to western North America and can be found in semi-desert environments and open areas, including the Mojave Desert and canyons. It is present in various locations, including:
- Canada (British Columbia)
- Mexico
- United States (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nevada)
Ecological Role
The plant grows in dry, open areas, and can be found at elevations below 12,000 feet. It's a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), contributing to nitrogen fixation in the soil.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial herb 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 divided into 19 oval leaflets. They can be linear to widely oval.
- Seed pods are 1 inch long, hairy, and freckled with red.
Subspecies and Varieties
There are several recognized varieties and subspecies:
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. albifolius M.E. Jones – northern freckled milkvetch, Owen's Valley milkvetch, northern speckledpod milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. latus (M. E. Jones) M. E. Jones - BROAD-POD FRECKLED MILKVETCH
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. negundo – Box Elder Freckled Milkvetch
Endangered Status
Some subspecies of the Freckled Milk-vetch are endangered, such as the Coachella Valley Milk-vetch and the Fish Slough Milk-vetch.
Interactions with Other Organisms
Purple freckled milkvetch grows under the shade of oaks and junipers, and alongside slopes. It also influences the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil.
Further Information
Additional information can be found on:
- Discover Life: Discover Life's page about Astragalus lentiginosus