SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 4512.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4512" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

woollypod milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus purshii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Astragalus purshii: Woollypod Milkvetch

Astragalus purshii is a milkvetch species recognized by the common names woollypod milkvetch and Pursh's milkvetch. It is also sometimes called Woollypod Locoweed or Pursh loco.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant belongs to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.
  • The text refers to "seedpods [that] look like small cotton balls."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus purshii Dougl. ex Hook.
  • Common Names: Woollypod Milkvetch, Pursh's Milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Woollypod Locoweed, Pursh loco.
  • Subspecies:
    • Astragalus purshii Douglas ex Hook. var. purshii
    • Astragalus purshii var. concinnus
    • Astragalus purshii var. lectulus
    • Astragalus purshii var. tinctus
    • Astragalus purshii var. glareosus

Distribution and Habitat

Astragalus purshii is native to much of western North America and grows in areas such as northern, southern, and central California. It is often found in dry flats and at high elevations.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a native perennial herb that tufts from a woody base.
  • The stem grows up to 6 inches tall.
  • Stems and leaves are covered with fine, wavy, entangled silver or gray hair.
  • The seedpods resemble small cotton balls.

Traditional Uses

  • A decoction (extract) of the whole plant has been used as a wash for the head, hair, and whole body.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Astragalus purshii frequently co-occurs with Astragalus peckii.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/
  • EDDMapS (Early Detection &amp Distribution Mapping System): Provided by The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
  • Discover Life: Provides information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.