SafePlants

Astragalus toanus: Toano Milkvetch

Astragalus toanus, commonly known as Toano milkvetch, is a perennial forb/herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family. It is native to the western United States.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant synthesizes miserotoxin, a highly toxic aliphatic nitro compound.
• The text references toxicological investigations involving Toano milkvetch.

Considerations for Children

• This plant synthesizes miserotoxin, a highly toxic aliphatic nitro compound.
• The text references toxicological investigations involving Toano milkvetch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus toanus M.E. Jones
• Common Name: Toano milkvetch
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Astragalus campylophyllus Greene
  • Cnemidophacos toanus
• Varieties:
  • Astragalus toanus var. toanus M.E. Jones
  • Astragalus toanus var. scidulus S.L. Welsh & N.D. Atwood (Diamond Butte milkvetch)

Distribution and Habitat

• Toano milkvetch is found in a few western states.
• It prefers valley floors.
• It is found in states such as Arizona and California.
• Specific locations include the Goshute and Toano Ranges and Goshute Valley.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Toano milkvetch is a perennial forb/herb.
• It blooms in May and June.

Genetic and Cytological Information

• The LD50 (lethal dose, 50%) for chicks fed Toano milkvetch was 67.8 mg NO2/kg plus 2.7 mg Se/kg. This indicates the plant's toxicity and the specific compounds affecting it.

Ecology

• In Goshute Valley, it grows along with forbs like arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, phlox, and aster.

Further Information

• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus toanus.
• The Oregon Flora Project also has information on Astragalus toanus.
• A USDA entry exists for Astragalus toanus M.E. Jones.