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pinyon milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus pinonis var. pinonis
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus pinonis: Pinyon Milkvetch
Astragalus pinonis, commonly known as Pinyon Milkvetch, is a forb/herb belonging to the milkvetch genus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume Family)
- Genus: Astragalus L. (milkvetch, astragales, locoweed)
- Species: Astragalus pinonis M.E. Jones
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Other Names: There are multiple references to other species within the *Astragalus* genus and also references to multiple variations, but the text does not explicitly list synonyms for this specific species.
- Note: The text mentions the presence of the subtaxon *Astragalus pinonis* M.E. Jones var. pinonis
Distribution and Habitat
- Pinyon Milkvetch is found in the western United States.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Moroni Formation near Birdseye, Utah, and mesa tops within pinyon-juniper forests.
- It typically grows at elevations between 5,400 and 5,600 feet.
- Habitats include pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush, Gambel oak thickets in ponderosa pine forests, Joshua tree woodlands, and blackbrush areas.
- It can be found on carbonate substrates, rocky washes, and gentle slopes.
- Other Milkvetches have also been found to grow on rocky hillside with bare, eroded soil
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Pinyon Milkvetch is described as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
- Schmoll's milkvetch, a related species, grows to 1-2 feet tall and is a perennial wildflower.
- Other milkvetches are known to grow to 12" tall and 10" wide, while others only grow to 4" tall and 8" wide.
- Some milkvetches have been found to be prostrate annual or perennial plants.
Associated Species
- Pinyon Milkvetch is often associated with pinyon pine and Utah juniper trees.
- Other associated species include cheatgrass, sagebrush, and four-wing saltbush.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page with information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus pinonis.
- Garden Guides provides information about plants commonly known as Milkvetch.