SafePlants

Newberry's Milkvetch (Astragalus newberryi)

Astragalus newberryi, commonly known as Newberry's milkvetch, is a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae (pea) family. This plant is recognized for its relatively small size and silvery, silky hairs covering its foliage.

Considerations for Pets

• The common name "Locoweed" is also used for some species of milkvetch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus newberryi A. Gray
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Common Names: Newberry's Milkvetch, Milkvetch, Locoweed
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus newberryi var. aquarii Isely (Newberry's milkvetch, Aquarius)
  • Astragalus newberryi var. castoreus M.E. Jones
  • Astragalus newberryi var. newberryi
• Synonyms: Mentions of "goat's-thorn" indicate a similarity to other species within the *Astragalus* genus.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States.
• Its range extends from Idaho to New Mexico.
• Observed in the White Mountains at an elevation of 2220 m (7290 ft).
• Found in the Great Basin.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is described as a low-growing perennial.
• The foliage is covered with many silky, silvery hairs.
• Forb/herb – A non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Ecological Role

• Fully tracked.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Observed growing alongside Red Desert Paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa).