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sheep milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus nothoxys

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sheep Milkvetch (Astragalus nothoxys)

Astragalus nothoxys, commonly known as Sheep Milkvetch, is a flowering plant belonging to the milkvetch genus, Astragalus.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species of Astragalus, including some milkvetches, are known to be poisonous to livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, and horses.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus nothoxys A. Gray
  • Common Name: Sheep Milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family)
  • Genus: Astragalus L.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in the west and southwest USA.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include Arizona (Fort Huachuca, Cochise County) and New Mexico.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Possesses pinnate leaves with up to 19 leaflets.
  • Features clusters of purple wildflowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Known to cause locoism and poisoning in cattle, sheep, and horses.
  • Cicer milkvetch is less acceptable to grazing sheep than alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, and red clover.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus nothoxys.