SafePlants

Astragalus pubentissimus: Green River Milkvetch

Astragalus pubentissimus, commonly known as Green River Milkvetch, is a herbaceous perennial forb belonging to the genus Astragalus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus pubentissimus Torr. &amp A. Gray
• Common Name: Green River Milkvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Genus: Astragalus L.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, with a variety, Astragalus pubentissimus var. pubentissimus Torr. &amp A.Gray.

Distribution and Habitat

• Green River Milkvetch is found in the United States, including states such as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Wyoming, and Utah.
• It is notably abundant along the Green River corridor in southwest Wyoming and eastern Utah.
• Specific locations mentioned include the N rim of White River, 1.4 miles W of Asphalt Wash.
• It also occurs in the Upper Green River Basin, Wyoming.
• Habitats include rocky ledges, pinyon-juniper, and desert shrub communities.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Green River Milkvetch is a short-lived perennial forb.
• The species has green foliage.
• It requires direct sunlight for optimal growth.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Astragalus, including Green River Milkvetch, are referred to as locoweed, and have been associated with poisoning in livestock.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is mentioned in the context of restoring endangered fish habitat at 330 acres of the Green River.
• It is associated with the Upper Green River Basin Local Sage Grouse Working Group.

Further Information

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