SafePlants

Timber Milkvetch (Astragalus miser)

Timber Milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus miser, is a plant belonging to the Pea family. Livestock losses due to this plant have been reported since 1927.

Considerations for Pets

• Timber Milkvetch is known to be poisonous to cattle and occasionally sheep. Experimental poisoning has also been reported in other livestock and honey bees foraging on its flowers.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Astragalus miser
• Common Names: Timber Milkvetch, Weedy Milkvetch, Yellowstone Milkvetch, Prostrate Milkvetch, Woody Milkvetch, Milkvetch, Locoweed
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
• Synonyms:
  • Astragalus miser Douglas ex Hook. var. miser
  • Astragalus decumbens var. serotinus
  • Astragalus miser var. serotinus
  • Astragalus serotinus
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, variety (e.g., Astragalus decumbens var. 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, and more.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Timber Milkvetch is a member of the Pea family, characterized by pea flowers and pods.

Ecological Role

• It's a poisonous plant that affects cattle and, occasionally, sheep.

Interactions with Other Organisms

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

Further Information

• USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
• ResearchGate (for information on treatment of poisoning)
• The Plant List, ToL (Tree of Life), BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library), WikiSpecies
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life