SafePlants

Astragalus mohavensis: Mojave Milkvetch

Astragalus mohavensis, commonly known as Mojave milkvetch, is a plant species native to the Mojave Desert.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant belongs to the milkvetch family, and some milkvetch species are referred to as "locoweed," a term that suggests potential concerns.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus mohavensis S. Watson
• Common Name: Mojave milkvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
• Synonyms/Related Species: Mentions Lane Mountain milkvetch (Astragalus jaegerianus), Holmgren's milkvetch (Astragalus holmgreniorum).
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus mohavensis S. Watson var. mohavensis
  • Astragalus mohavensis S. Watson var. hemigyrus (Clokey) Barneby (curve-podded Mojave milkvetch, halfring milkvetch)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada.
• A variety is found in the Death Valley area and the eastern Mojave Desert in California and Nevada.
• Grows in rocky and gravelly areas.

Ecological Role

• The Lane Mountain milkvetch is described as a Mojave Desert endemic.
• Holmgren's milkvetch is noted for being finely adapted to the arid northern Mojave Desert environment and sometimes the only plant in that habitat.

Morphological Characteristics

• The seeds make a rattling noise in the dried pods.

Quirky Facts

• The seeds make a rattling noise when the pods are dried.
• Holmgren's milkvetch is sometimes the *only* plant in its arid Mojave Desert environment.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life
• CalPhotos