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Front Range milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus sparsiflorus var. sparsiflorus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Astragalus sparsiflorus: Front Range Milkvetch
Astragalus sparsiflorus, commonly known as Front Range Milkvetch, is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus sparsiflorus A. Gray
- Common Name: Front Range Milkvetch
- Family: Fabaceae (mentioned as pea family in context)
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Varieties:
- Astragalus sparsiflorus var. sparsiflorus
- Astragalus sparsiflorus var. majusculus
Distribution and Habitat
- Astragalus sparsiflorus is found in the United States, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana.
- It is notably associated with the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado.
- Specific mentions include the Rocky Mountain front range in west-central Montana and the Front Range Mountains in Teton County.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is described as a forb/herb, indicating a non-woody growth habit.
- The plant thrives in bright places with direct sunlight.
Ecological Role
- Urban development is encroaching on its habitat within the Front Range.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It serves as a larval food plant for some blues butterflies, along with lupine species in the pea family.
- Mentioned in the context of forage plants, suggesting it might be consumed by animals.
Further Information
- Assessment information available at www.iucnredlist.org.
- Gardeners provide care instructions for Front Range Milkvetch.