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Spalding's milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus spaldingii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Spalding's Milkvetch (Astragalus spaldingii)

Spalding's Milkvetch, scientifically known as Astragalus spaldingii, is a forb/herb belonging to the pea family. It is also commonly referred to as Spalding's milk vetch.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the Astragalus genus, also known as milkvetch or locoweed, it is important to be aware that some species within this genus are known to be toxic to livestock in certain regions (e.g., western US). While this information does not definitively state that this particular plant is toxic, caution should be exercised.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus spaldingii A. Gray
  • Common Name: Spalding's milkvetch
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Astragalus spaldingii var. spaldingii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Spalding's Milkvetch is restricted to the Northwest region of North America.
  • It occurs in eastern Washington, adjacent Oregon and Idaho, and south-central British Columbia.

Ecological Role

  • Listed as a vulnerable and red-listed taxon in British Columbia, indicating it's a species of conservation concern.
  • It provides habitat for rare plant species.
  • Urbanization has contributed to the loss of its habitat.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is described as a forb/herb, which means it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It serves as a larval host for the Spalding's Blue butterfly.
  • It is mentioned in the context of fertilization occurring in late winter or early autumn.

Related Species

  • Other Astragalus species mentioned include:
    • Astragalus sclerocarpus (woody-pod milkvetch)
    • Astragalus spatulatus (tufted milkvetch)
    • Astragalus canadensis (Canada milkvetch)
    • Astragalus australis (American milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus filipes (Russian sickle milk-vetch)
    • Astragalus praelongus (Stinking Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus cusickii (Cusick's Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus barrii (Barr's milkvetch)
    • Astragalus chamaeleuce (cicada milkvetch)
    • Astragalus conjunctus (stiff milkvetch or Idaho milkvetch)
    • Astragalus mulfordiae (Mulford's milkvetch)
    • Astragalus speirocarpus (Spiral-pod Milkvetch)
    • Astragalus succumbens (Sprawling Milkvetch)