SafePlants

Astragalus lentiginosus: Spotted Locoweed and Freckled Milkvetch

Astragalus lentiginosus, a member of the Fabaceae (Pea) family, is known by the common names spotted locoweed and freckled milkvetch. It's a perennial herb native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

The text mentions that Astragalus lentiginosus is also known as "rattleweed" or "loco weed" and that cattle and horses can be affected after eating this plant. These references may warrant further investigation regarding potential effects on other animal species.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae) - Pea Family
• Synonyms: A. lentignosus diphysus (Gray.) M.E.Jones

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is native to western North America. Specific locations mentioned include:

• Semi-desert areas
• Openings, particularly in spring
• Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
• Mojave Desert, at elevations below 12,000 feet
• John Day River area (John Day Fossil Beds National Monument)
• Carrizo Plain, CA
• Grows in dry, open areas
• United States (including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa)
• Canada (British Columbia)
• Mexico

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial herb growing from a taproot.
• Height: Ranges from 6.3 inches to 2 feet (1.6 to 6 dm).
• Stems: Prostrate to ascending, hairless or coated with silver hairs.
• Leaves: Linear to widely oval, divided into 19 oval leaflets. Dark green, oval leaves can grow up to 5/8 inches in length
• Seed Pods: Can grow to 1" long, hairy, and freckled with red.

Subspecies and Varieties

• Astragalus lentiginosus variety 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. fremontii a/k/a Fremont's Milkvetch
• Astragalus lentiginosus nigricalycis

Ecological Information

Purple freckled milkvetch grows under the shade of oaks, junipers and slopes along the west and south side of the San Joaquin Valley.

Endangered Status

• The Coachella Valley Milk-vetch and the Fish Slough Milk-vetch, subspecies of the Freckled Milk-vetch, are on the U.S. Endangered Species list.

Habitat

• Dry, open areas
• Blooms from April to July
• Elevation from Sea Below 11,700'