SafePlants

Winged Milkvetch (Astragalus pterocarpus)

Astragalus pterocarpus, commonly known as Winged Milkvetch, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Astragalus.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass), which may be of interest to some pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus pterocarpus S. Watson
• Common Names: Winged Milkvetch, winged milkvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Synonyms: Astragalus altus
• Related Names: Astragalus tetrapterus (f winged milkvetch), potentially Astragalus conjunctus var. conjunctus (synonym: A. reventus var.)

Distribution and Habitat

Winged Milkvetch is found in the United States. Specific states mentioned include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Flowers have a corolla that is zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), typically red and measuring 13–20 mm (0.52–0.8 in.) long. The flowers have five petals: an "upstanding" standard petal and two lateral petals.
• Stem is described as limp, flat, widely winged, and glabrous (smooth, without hairs).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Birds such as waxwings, warblers, goldfinches, red-winged blackbirds, cardinals, and catbirds are noted as making use of areas where this plant is present.
• The blue-winged, black-dotted butterflies cavort among the milk vetch, which serves as their food plant.
• Bremiola onobrychidis has been found on leaflets of purple milk-vetch, Astragalus danicus probably an undescribed species.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS database
• Nevada Natural Heritage Program
• IUCN Red List: www.iucnredlist.org
• Discover Life
• Oregon Flora Project
• Garden Guides for information on Minthorn's Milkvetch (though this is a different species).