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freckled milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus var. stramineus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial, 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. Let's explore its taxonomy, distribution, and other intriguing aspects.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is also known as "rattle pod", which suggests a seed pod structure that could be interesting to pets.
Considerations for Children
- The plant is also known as "rattle pod", which suggests a seed pod structure that could be interesting to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.
- Common Names: Spotted locoweed, freckled milkvetch, rattle pod, Specklepod Milkvetch, Specklepod loco milkvetch.
- Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae), the pea family.
- Synonyms: A. lentignosus diphysus (Gray.) M.E.Jones
- Varieties:
- 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 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
- USDA Symbol: ASLE8
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America.
- Found in dry, open areas such as the Mojave Desert and semi-desert environments.
- Grows at elevations ranging from sea level to below 12,000 feet.
- Specific locations include the San Joaquin Valley, areas near the John Day River, Stubbe Springs Trail, and the Carrizo Plain in California.
- Observed in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
- Found in states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and Utah, as well as British Columbia in Canada and Mexico.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial herb growing from a taproot, reaching 6.3 inches to 2 feet (1.6 to 6 dm) in height.
- Stems range from prostrate to ascending, and can be 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 in dry, open areas, often under the shade of oaks and junipers.
- Important source of nitrogen and phosphorus in seed form.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Grows in the same habitat as Green Rabbitbrush, Indian Ricegrass and Cheatgrass
- Is food for cattle and horses which can result in locoism from consumption.
Further Information
- Saint Mary's College of California
- CalPhotos
- Dave's Garden
- Wikimedia Commons
- Discover Life
- Garden Guides
- Getty Images