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threadstalk milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus speirocarpus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus filipes: Threadstalk Milkvetch
Astragalus filipes, commonly known as threadstalk milkvetch or basalt milkvetch, is a perennial wildflower belonging to the legume or pea family (Fabaceae).
Considerations for Pets
- As a member of the pea/legume family, it's prudent to be aware that some plants in this family can be toxic to animals.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus filipes Torr. ex A. Gray
- Common Names: Threadstalk milkvetch, basalt milkvetch, threadleaf locoweed.
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume or Pea family)
- Genus: Astragalus L.
- Synonyms: The text also mentions Astragalus speirocarpus, another milkvetch, and indicates the common name "Threadstalk Milkvetch" for this species.
Distribution and Habitat
- Astragalus filipes is widely distributed in western North America.
- It is found on silty to loamy soils at moderate elevations in the northern Great Basin.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, and the Hancock Field Station near Clarno, OR.
Morphological Characteristics
- Threadstalk milkvetch is a perennial herb with clusters of slender, erect to ascending stems ranging from 30-90 cm in height.
- The stems arise from a branched crown.
- It is a forb/herb, described as a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
- It can also be described as very low-growing, hugging the ground.
Ecological Role
- It is an abundant forb species found in some regions.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The plant interacts with pollinators. The interaction with pollinators determines their mating success can vary with both the.
- Other plant species that co-occur with threadstalk milkvetch in certain habitats include western yarrow and arrowleaf balsamroot, among others.
- Insects: Immaculate Green Hairstreak, Nevada Skipper, California Hairstreak, Western Dogbane, Holboell's Rockcress, Threadstalk Milk-vetch, and Five-angled Dodder
Further Information
- Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus speirocarpus (Threadstalk milkvetch).
- Breeding biology information can be found in the 2011 American Midland Naturalist article by Watrous and Cane.