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Santa Barbara milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus trichopodus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Santa Barbara Milkvetch (Astragalus trichopodus)
The Santa Barbara milkvetch is a fascinating plant native to southern California and Baja California.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is also known as locoweed.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is also known as locoweed.
Common Names
- Santa Barbara milk vetch
- Santa Barbara milkvetch
- Locoweed
- Antiselli's milkvetch
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus trichopodus (Nutt.) A. Gray
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Genus: Astragalus (Milkvetch)
- Synonyms/Variations:
- Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus (M.E. Jones) Barneby
- Astragalus trichopodus var. trichopodus
- Astragalus trichopodus var. antisellii (A. Gray ex W.H. Brewer & S. Watson) Jeps.
- Astragalus trichopodus phoxus
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southern California and Baja California.
- Found in locations such as Torrey Pines State Park, CA, and Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Ecological Role
- In some areas, this species is considered invasive.
- It serves as a larval host plant for the Palos Verdes Blue butterfly, particularly the variety Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Described as a finely textured shrub.
- It's a native perennial herb.
- Herbaceous forb.
Fertilization
- Fertilization is recommended when planting, or every 2-3 years, towards the end of winter or beginning of Autumn.
Further Information
- CalPhotos
- Dave's Garden
- Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System
- Discover Life
- University of California Santa Barbara
- UC Natural Reserve System