No images found for this plant ID: 4345.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4345" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

Mojave milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus mohavensis var. mohavensis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Astragalus mohavensis: Mojave Milkvetch

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

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the milkvetch family, it is important to be aware that some Astragalus species are known as "locoweeds" and can be toxic to livestock.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus mohavensis S. Watson
  • Common Name: Mojave milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
  • Subordinate Taxa:
    • Astragalus mohavensis S. Watson var. hemigyrus (Clokey) Barneby
    • Astragalus mohavensis S. Watson var. mohavensis

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada.
  • Specifically found in the northern Mojave Desert and the eastern Mojave Desert, including the Death Valley area.
  • Grows in rocky and gravelly areas.
  • Observed near Short Canyon in Kern County, California.

Morphological Characteristics

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

Ecological Role

  • The endangered Lane Mountain milk-vetch (Astragalus jaegerianus) and Holmgren’s milk vetch (Astragalus holmgreniorum) are closely associated with the Mojave Desert environment.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life: Discover Life
  • CalPhotos