SafePlants

Astragalus serenoi: The Naked Milkvetch

Astragalus serenoi, commonly known as Naked Milkvetch or Humboldt Milk-Vetch, is a plant species with several interesting characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "pulpy pods that become somewhat woody with age" for one variety. These pods may be attractive to pets, but their woody nature could pose a potential choking hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus serenoi (Kuntze) E. Sheldon
• Common Names: Naked Milkvetch, Humboldt Milk-Vetch
• Family: Leguminosae (mentioned in relation to Astragalus propinquus) and Fabaceae (mentioned in relation to Yellow Milk Vetch)
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi (M.E. Jones) Barneby (Shockley's Milkvetch)
  • Astragalus serenoi var. sordescens Barneby
  • Astragalus serenoi var. serenoi (Kuntze) E. Sheld.

Distribution and Habitat

• One entry mentions finding the plant on Naked Mountain in Nelson County, Virginia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Astragalus serenoi is described as developing in an erect manner and becoming "a tree" over time, though this may be an exaggeration or a reference to a shrub-like habit.
• One entry refers to "erect, naked flower stems."
• One entry refers to "nearly naked, thick, pulpy pods that become somewhat woody with age."

Quirky Facts

• The plant's name appears in unexpected contexts such as "blanford's naked head" and "naked breast trevally," alongside its scientific name.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS database
• Discover Life
• Garden Guides