SafePlants

Astragalus lentiginosus: Spotted Locoweed and Freckled Milkvetch

Astragalus lentiginosus, commonly known as spotted locoweed and freckled milkvetch, is a fascinating member of the plant kingdom. This page delves into its taxonomy, distribution, and other interesting aspects.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Astragalus lentiginosus is also known as rattlepod or loco weed. After eating this plant, cattle and horses may be affected.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.
• Common Names: Spotted locoweed, Freckled milkvetch, Rattle pod, Specklepod loco milkvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae or Pea Family)
• Synonyms: A. lentignosus diphysus (Gray.)M.E.Jones
• Varieties/Subspecies:
  • 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 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

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Found in semi-desert environments.
• Grows in dry, open areas.
• Specific Locations:
  • Mojave Desert at elevations below 12000 feet.
  • Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
  • Near the John Day River
  • Great Basin National Park, Nevada, USA
  • Carrizo Plain, California
  • Saline Valley, Death Valley National Park, Inyo Co., Calif.
• Specific states and regions include British Columbia (Canada), Mexico, and various states within the United States such as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, etc.
• Grows under the shade of oaks, junipers and slopes along the west and south side of the San Joaquin Valley.

Ecological Role

• 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, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial herbs from a taproot.
• Height ranges from 6.3 inches to 2 feet (1.6 to 6 dm) tall.
• Grows to 16 inches in height
• Stems are prostrate to ascending, hairless or coated with silver hairs.
• Leaves are linear to widely oval, divided into 19 oval leaves.
• Has dark green, oval leaves which grow to 5/8 inches in length.
• Seed pods are 1" long, hairy and freckled with red.
• Blooms from April to July.
• Height 4 to 20".
• Elevation from Sea Below 11,700'.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Grows with Green Rabbitbrush, Indian Ricegrass and Cheatgrass.

Further Information

• USDA Symbol: ASLE8
• Dave's Garden is a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
• Wikimedia Commons has media related to Astragalus lentiginosus.
• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.