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Santa Barbara milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Astragalus trichopodus: Santa Barbara Milk Vetch

Astragalus trichopodus, commonly known as Santa Barbara milk vetch, is a fascinating legume native to southern California and Baja California. It belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • Some varieties are referred to as "locoweed," which may suggest potential concerns.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus trichopodus (Nutt.) A. Gray
  • Common Name: Santa Barbara milk vetch
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Synonyms and Subspecies:
    • 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 var. phoxus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southern California and Baja California.
  • Found in Northern, Southern, and Central California.
  • Observed locations: Torrey Pines State Park, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County.
  • Grows primarily in California.

Ecological Role

  • Identified as an invasive species.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a finely textured shrub.
  • Growth Habit: Perennial herb.
  • Flowering Period: February to June.

Interactions with other organisms

  • Larval host plant for the Palos Verdes Blue butterfly and the Pale Swallowtail butterfly.

Quirky Facts

  • The species name "trichopodus" translates to "hairy foot".
  • One source mentions fertilizing the plants when implanting them, or every 2-3 years, towards the end of winter or beginning of Autumn.

Further Information

  • CalPhotos (Lynn Watson, 2002)
  • Discover Life
  • Calflora
  • Dave's Garden
  • Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System
  • University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
  • UC Natural Reserve System