SafePlants

Robbins' Milkvetch

This page provides information about Robbins' Milkvetch, a plant found in North America.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Astragalus robbinsii (Oakes) A. Gray
• Common Names: Robbins' Milkvetch, Milkvetch (for many species), Locoweed (in North America)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Genus: Astragalus
• Species: robbinsii
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus robbinsii var. alpiniformis (Rydb.) Barneby ex C.L. Hitchc.
  • Astragalus robbinsii var. minor (Hook.) Barneby
  • Astragalus robbinsii var. fernaldii
  • Astragalus robbinsii var. jesupi (synonym: Astragalus jesupii, Atelophragma jesupii)
  • Astragalus robbinsii var. occidentalis
• Synonyms: Astragalus jesupii, Astragalus robbinsii var. jesupi, Atelophragma jesupii, A. reventus (possibly for unidentified milk-vetch).

Distribution and Habitat

• Robbins' Milkvetch has a disjunct distribution in North America, with separate western and northeastern ranges.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Astragalus robbinsii var. minor is a forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant.
• Some sources indicate the plant can reach 17 meters in height, though this may be an error as it is described as growing in small clumps.
• The plant is not evergreen and loses its leaves in the autumn, turning yellow.
• One image shows the leaves and last year's seed pods.

Ecological Role

• One variety, Astragalus robbinsii var. fernaldii, is listed as an endangered wildlife species in Canada (COSEWIC).

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus robbinsii.
• Encyclopedia of Life contains information on the genus Astragalus.
• Dave's Garden offers a community forum for sharing tips and ideas about gardens, seeds, and plants.