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Rocky Mountain milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus scopulorum

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Astragalus scopulorum: Rocky Mountain Milkvetch

Astragalus scopulorum, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Milkvetch, is a forb/herb belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus scopulorum Porter
  • Common Name: Rocky Mountain Milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is native to the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado and New Mexico in the Southern Rocky Mountains.

It thrives in a variety of habitats, including:

  • Sagebrush valleys
  • Barren shale
  • Granitic soils that are shallow, rocky, and coarse sands
  • Dry rocky slopes
  • Grasslands

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Astragalus scopulorum is a non-woody forb/herb.
  • It is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Ecological Role

The DeBeque Milkvetch, a close relative and likely a variety of Astragalus scopulorum, is considered one of Colorado's most endangered native wildflowers, facing threats from noxious weeds, roads, and recreation.

Additional Information

  • The plant can be grown in gardens and doesn't fear cold temperatures.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Rocky Mountain Herbarium, University of [Location Missing]