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egg milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus oophorus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Egg Milkvetch (Astragalus oophorus)

Astragalus oophorus, commonly known as egg milkvetch, is a plant belonging to the milkvetch family. This page provides information about its classification, distribution, and other relevant botanical details.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species in the Astragalus genus are known as locoweeds in North America.
  • The text mentions "painted seedpod," which could be a potential attractant for pets or children.

Considerations for Children

  • Some species in the Astragalus genus are known as locoweeds in North America.
  • The text mentions "painted seedpod," which could be a potential attractant for pets or children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus oophorus S. Watson
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
  • Varieties:
    • Astragalus oophorus S. Watson var. oophorus
    • Astragalus oophorus var. lonchocalyx Barneby (Pink Egg Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus oophorus S. Watson var. clokeyanus Barneby (Clokey Egg Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus oophorus var. lavinii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the western United States, particularly California and Nevada.
  • Also found in other states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Astragalus oophorus var. clokeyanus is described as a low-growing perennial forb with compound leaves.
  • Leaflets are oval to egg-shaped.
  • The flowers are purple and pea-like.
  • The egg milkvetch stem develops a bare stem, creating a thick crown, and develops like a tree.
  • Fruits are pods, fleshy, smooth, spherical to egg-shaped.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "egg milkvetch" is derived from the egg-shaped pods.
  • One source mentions "Bird's egg milkvetch with its painted seedpod," hinting at an interesting appearance.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is only about a month before the milk vetch flowers bloom and the beehives that take a break during the winter have started laying eggs. The nectar plants proposed as important to moths include milk vetch.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus oophorus.
  • USDA resources are available.