SafePlants

Timber Milkvetch (Astragalus miser)

Timber Milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus miser, is a plant belonging to the Astragalus genus. It is also referred to as Timber Milk Vetch, Milkvetch or Locoweed.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is poisonous to cattle and occasionally sheep. Experimental poisoning has been caused in other livestock.
• Honey bees that forage on the flowers of timber milk-vetch have also been poisoned.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus miser
• Common Names: Timber Milkvetch, Timber Milk Vetch, Milkvetch, Locoweed
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
• Synonyms:
  • Astragalus miser Douglas ex Hook. var. miser
  • Astragalus miser var. serotinus
  • Astragalus decumbens var. serotinus
  • Astragalus serotinus
• Subspecies: Astragalus miser var. crispatus

Distribution and Habitat

Timber Milkvetch is found in:

• Canada: Alberta, British Columbia
• United States: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa

Morphological Characteristics

Timber milkvetch is a member of the Pea family and has the characteristic pea flower and pod.

Ecological Role

• Relating germination requirements of timber milkvetch to seral stage in the Interior Douglas-fir zone.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Honey bees that forage on the flowers of timber milk-vetch have also been poisoned.

Quirky Facts

• As little as five pounds of the plant can produce signs of poisoning in cattle.

Further Information

• USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
• ResearchGate, the professional network for scientists.
• The Plant List
• ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
• BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
• WikiSpecies
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life