SafePlants

Astragalus lentiginosus: Spotted Locoweed, Freckled Milkvetch

Astragalus lentiginosus, a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), is known by the common names spotted locoweed and freckled milkvetch.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is also known as "rattle pod" or "rattleweed", named because it produces seed pods.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.
• Common Names: Spotted Locoweed, Freckled Milkvetch, Rattle Pod, Specklepod Loco Milkvetch, Rattleweed.
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae) - Pea Family
• Synonyms: A. lentignosus diphysus (Gray.)M.E.Jones.
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus lentiginosus var. palans
  • 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
• USDA Symbol: ASLE8

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus lentiginosus is native to western North America.
• It grows in dry, open areas, including semi-desert regions and the Mojave Desert.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
  • John Day River area (John Day Fossil Beds National Monument)
  • San Joaquin Valley
  • Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
  • Carrizo Plain, CA
  • Saline Valley, Death Valley National Park, Inyo Co., Calif.
• It can be found at elevations up to 12,000 feet.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial herb growing from a taproot, typically reaching 6.3 inches to 2 feet (1.6 to 6 dm) in height.
• Stems can be prostrate to ascending, and may be hairless or coated with silver hairs.
• Leaves are divided into approximately 19 oval leaflets.
• Seed pods are approximately 1 inch long, hairy, and freckled with red.

Ecological Role

• It grows in dry, open areas.
• Purple freckled milkvetch grows under the shade of oaks and junipers, and on slopes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It is mentioned in the context of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in seeds, alongside Green Rabbitbrush, Indian Ricegrass, and Cheatgrass.
• Cattle and horses avoid this plant due to its potential toxicity.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is referenced as a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Wikimedia Commons hosts images of the plant.
• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus lentiginosus.