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egg milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus oophorus var. clokeyanus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Egg Milkvetch (Astragalus oophorus)

Astragalus oophorus, commonly known as egg milkvetch, is a fascinating member of the milkvetch family. This page provides information about its classification, distribution, morphology, and more.

Considerations for Pets

  • Many species of Astragalus are referred to as "locoweed" in North America.
  • The text mentions "locoweeds" can be confused with the Ground-plum milk-vetch, which may be relevant if considering potential interactions with pets.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus oophorus S. Watson
  • Common Name: Egg milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
  • Kingdom: (Implied) Plantae

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Synonyms/Varieties:
    • Astragalus oophorus var. oophorus
    • Astragalus oophorus var. lonchocalyx Barneby (Pink egg milkvetch)
    • Astragalus oophorus var. clokeyanus Barneby (Clokey Egg Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus oophorus var. lavinii (Lavin's Egg Milkvetch)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the western United States, mainly California and Nevada.
  • Also found in other states including Arizona, Colorado and Utah
  • Sentry milk-vetch, a related species, grows on a white layer of Kaibab limestone.

Morphology and Growth

  • Clokey Egg Milkvetch (Astragalus oophorus var. clokeyanus) is described as a low-growing perennial forb with compound leaves.
  • The flowers are purple and pea-like.
  • Leaflets are oval to egg-shaped, ranging from 1/3 to 1 inch long and 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide
  • The egg milkvetch develops with a bare stem, creating a thick crown, and can develop like a tree.
  • Fruit pods are fleshy, smooth, and spherical to egg-shaped, measuring 1/2 to 1 inch long.
  • There is an egg-shaped stipule at the base of each leaf stalk.
  • Pinnately compound leaves are 2-8 cm long with 2-7 pairs of egg-shaped leaflets.

Quirky Facts

  • One common name is "Bird's egg pea/ceramic milk vetch/painted milk vetch," hinting at the unique appearance of its seedpods.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Milk vetch species are used as nectar plants by moths.

Further Information

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