SafePlants

Astragalus sabulonum: Gravel Milkvetch

Astragalus sabulonum, commonly known as gravel milkvetch, is a member of the Fabaceae (Pea) family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant can be found in gardens and natural areas, so there is a potential for exposure if pets spend time outdoors.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus sabulonum A. Gray
• Common Name: Gravel milkvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea)
• Synonyms: While the text mentions Astragalus glareosus and Astragalus ventosus, these are identified as synonyms for Astragalus purshii var. glareosus.

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus sabulonum is native to the Southwestern United States and California.
• It is found in gravelly habitats, including gravel prairies, areas with small stones and gravel deposits, open river shores with rocky or gravel substrates, and even disturbed sites like road cuts and gravel quarries. It has been observed at high elevations along the Dalles Mt. Road.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It's described as having attractive flowers and silvery foliage.
• The plant has dense, coarse, leafy hairs.
• The stem can be either ascending or spreading, and sometimes wavy.
• It can be either an annual or perennial plant.

Ecological role

• The plant's habitat may be threatened by gravel mining.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It is indicated to be native to the Southwestern United States and California. It can be found in scantly vegetated gravel patches.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus sabulonum.
• CalPhotos provides photographic resources.
• The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database provides further information.
• Oregon Flora Project