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railhead milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus terminalis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Railhead Milkvetch (Astragalus terminalis)

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a perennial herb.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a perennial herb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus terminalis S. Watson
  • Common Name: Railhead Milkvetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family)
  • Genus: Astragalus L. (Milkvetch, Astragales, Locoweed)
  • Synonyms:
    • Tium terminale (S. Watson) Rydb.
    • Astragalus reventoides M.E.Jones (synonym)
    • Astragalus terminalis var. reventoides (M. E. Jones)
  • Symbol: ASTE9

Distribution and Habitat

Railhead Milkvetch is found in the United States, including the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana. It is often found in sagebrush steppe and sparsely vegetated grasslands.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Railhead Milkvetch is a tufted, taprooted perennial herb.
  • It has several erect stems that reach 5-30 cm in height.
  • The pinnately compound leaves are 5-20 cm long.
  • It develops a bare stem, creating a thick crown, and has a growth habit described as being like a tree.

Ecological Role

Railhead Milkvetch is associated with sagebrush steppe and grasslands.

Further Information

  • IUCN Red List: www.iucnredlist.org
  • ITIS Database: Astragalus terminalis S. Wats. (TSN 25700)
  • Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Railhead Milkvetch