SafePlants

Freckled Milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus)

Astragalus lentiginosus, commonly known as spotted locoweed and freckled milkvetch, is a fascinating plant with a wide distribution and interesting ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that after eating this plant, cattle and horses experience negative effects. This should be taken into account when considering areas where pets might graze on this plant.
• The seed pods are referred to as "rattle pod", indicating they may contain small, loose parts.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.
• Common Names: Spotted locoweed, freckled milkvetch, specklepod milkvetch, rattle pod, Specklepod loco milkvetch.
• Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae), the pea family.
• Synonyms: A. lentignosus diphysus (Gray.)M.E.Jones.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Found in semi-desert environments, particularly in openings.
• Grows in dry, open areas, including the Mojave Desert, at elevations below 12,000 feet.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
  • John Day River area (near John Day Fossil Beds National Monument)
  • Carrizo Plain, CA
  • Great Basin National Park, Nevada
  • Saline Valley, Death Valley National Park, Inyo Co., Calif.
  • San Joaquin Valley (west and south sides)
• Present in: British Columbia (Canada), Mexico, and the United States (including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and other states).

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial herb growing from a taproot.
• Height ranges from 6.3 inches to 2 feet (1.6 to 6 dm) tall.
• Stems can be prostrate to ascending, either hairless or coated with silver hairs.
• Leaves are linear to widely oval, divided into approximately 19 oval leaflets.
• Seed pods are approximately 1 inch long, hairy, and freckled with red.

Ecological Role

• Grows under the shade of oaks and junipers.

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

Additional Information

• Blooms from April to July.
• Can grow anywhere from six to eighteen inches in height.
• Endangered Status: Some subspecies, like the Coachella Valley Milk-vetch and the Fish Slough Milk-vetch, are listed as endangered in the U.S.

Resources

• USDA Symbol: ASLE8
• Discover Life
• CalPhotos
• Wikimedia Commons
• Dave's Garden