SafePlants

Creeping Milkvetch (Astragalus spp.)

The term "creeping milkvetch" encompasses several species within the Astragalus genus. This page compiles information about various milkvetch species exhibiting a creeping growth habit.

Considerations for Pets

• Several species of milkvetch have creeping rhizomes, which may be attractive to digging pets.

Considerations for Children

• Some species of milkvetch may have small parts that can present a choking hazard.

Scientific Name(s) and Common Name(s)

• Scientific Name: Astragalus troglodytus S. Watson
• Common Name(s): Creeping milkvetch, cliff-dweller's milkvetch
• Scientific Name: Astragalus cicer L.
• Common Name(s): Cicer milkvetch, chickpea milkvetch, chick-pea milk-vetch
• Scientific Name: Astragalus vexilliflexus var. vexilliflexus
• Common Name(s): Bent-flowered milkvetch

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
• Astragalus cicer is also referred to as Cicer Milkvetch.

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus troglodytus is found in the west and southwest USA.
• One specific low creeping perennial variety of milkvetch grows on limestone barrens across the Arctic and is rare in Newfoundland, found at only two sites at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Creeping milkvetches often exhibit a creeping growth habit due to rhizomes or creeping root systems.
• Astragalus cicer is a long-lived, perennial legume.
• Stems of Astragalus cicer are large and hollow, upright when young.
• Sentry milk-vetch (likely a species of Astragalus) grows to only one inch (2.5 cm) tall and one to six inches (2.5 - 15.0 cm) in diameter and their short, creeping stems have compound leaves.
• One species is described as having stems numerous, slender, creeping to erect, 10-30 cm tall.

Ecological Role

• Astragalus cicer can be competitive in mixed stands due to its creeping root system.
• Creeping root systems, such as those found in cicer milkvetch, can be effective in reducing damage by burrowing rodents.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Astragalus cicer is often grown with grasses including smooth bromegrass, creeping foxtail, and wheatgrasses.
• Astragalus cicer was not competitive with birdsfoot trefoil or red clover in at least one trial.

Additional Information

• Astragalus cicer is noted for erosion control due to its creeping rootstocks.
• Astragalus cicer requires inoculation for optimal growth.