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Rattan's milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus rattanii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Rattan's Milkvetch (Astragalus rattanii)

Considerations for Pets

  • Many species of Astragalus are known as "locoweed," suggesting a potential impact on livestock or other animals. This warrants further investigation before allowing pets to interact with this plant.

Common Names and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus rattanii A. Gray
  • Common Names: Rattan's Milkvetch, Milk Vetch (for many species in the genus), Locoweed (in North America, for some species).
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Genus: Astragalus L.
  • Variety: Astragalus rattanii var. rattanii A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

  • Astragalus rattanii is endemic to northern California.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is described as a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • The Rattan's milkvetch develops like a tree, growing in height and developing a bare stem, creating a thick crown.

Related Species

  • Other Astragalus species mentioned include:
    • Astragalus pycnostachyus (Marsh Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus acutirostris (Sharpkeel Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus agnicidus (Humboldt Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus alpinus (Alpine Milkvetch, Mountain Locoweed)
    • Astragalus amphioxys
    • Astragalus applegatei (Applegate's Milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus chamaeleuce (Cicada Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus praelongus (Stinking Milkvetch)
  • Also mentioned is Jepson's milkvetch (Astragalus rattanii var. jepsonianus).

Further Information

  • Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus rattanii.
  • Encyclopedia of Life includes information about the genus Astragalus.
  • Taxonomic information is available from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).