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pinyon milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus pinonis
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Pinyon Milkvetch (Astragalus pinonis)
Pinyon Milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus pinonis, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Astragalus. It is also commonly referred to as locoweed, although that term is more often applied to some species in the western United States.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: (Not specified in text, but implied as Plant)
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family or Legume family)
- Genus: Astragalus L.
- Species: Astragalus pinonis M.E. Jones
Distribution and Habitat
This species is found in specific regions, including Utah County near Birdseye in the Moroni Formation, at elevations between 5,400 and 5,600 feet. It is commonly found within pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush, and Gambel oak thickets in ponderosa pine forests. Other habitats include rocky hillsides with bare, eroded soil. The plant is also found on carbonate substrates along rocky washes and gentle slopes within pinyon woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland, Joshua tree woodland, and black-brush.
Morphological Characteristics
Pinyon Milkvetch is described as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass. Schmoll's milkvetch is reported to grow to 1-2 feet tall.
Associated Species
- Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis)
- Utah Juniper
- Sagebrush
- Cheatgrass
- Fwing Saltbush
Further Information
- Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus pinonis.
- Garden Guides offers facts on plants commonly known as milkvetch.