SafePlants

Astragalus praelongus: Stinking Milkvetch

Astragalus praelongus, commonly known as Stinking Milkvetch, is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant contains miserotoxin.
• Selenium levels can be high in this plant.
• The common name "Locoweed" is associated with this plant and the genus Oxytropis.
• The foliage has been described as "stickily-hairy".

Considerations for Children

• The foliage has been described as "stickily-hairy".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus praelongus Sheldon
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family/ Leguminosae)
• Common Names: Stinking Milkvetch, Rattleweed, Locoweed, Milk Vetch
• Synonyms: Astragalus pattersonii var. praelongus (E.Sheld.) M.E.
• Subordinate Taxa: Astragalus praelongus var. praelongus, Astragalus praelongus var. ellisiae (Rydb.)B.L.Turner, Astragalus praelongus variety lonchopus

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in semi-desert shrublands and openings.
• Observed in Utah, including Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, and BLM lands near the San Juan River.
• Also found near Pojoaque, New Mexico.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial herb, typically ranging from 4 inches to 2.9 feet (1 to 9 dm) in height.
• Classified as a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• The foliage has a large number (15 to 25 pairs) of leaflets.

Quirky Facts

• The plant's common name, "Stinking Milkvetch," comes from the unpleasant smell of its bruised foliage.
• One source indicated that the plant wasn't smelled but was still seen as having the name "Stinking Milkvetch".

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned in the context of selenium absorption alongside western wheatgrass.

Additional Information

• Toxicological investigations have been conducted on stinking milkvetch, along with Toano and Wasatch milkvetches.

Resources

• Dave's Garden community
• Discover Life
• Encyclopedia of Life
• ResearchGate