SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 4723.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4723" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Santa Barbara milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus trichopodus var. trichopodus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Santa Barbara Milkvetch (Astragalus trichopodus)

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is also known as "locoweed," a name that may suggest potential concerns if ingested by animals. Consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet consuming this plant.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is known as locoweed which may suggest potential concerns if ingested. Please supervise children around this plant.

Scientific and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus trichopodus (Nutt.) A. Gray
  • Common Names: Santa Barbara milk vetch, Santa Barbara milkvetch, Antiselli's milkvetch, Rattlepod, Ocean locoweed, Ocean milkvetch

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus (M.E. Jones) Barneby
    • Astragalus trichopodus var. trichopodus
    • Astragalus trichopodus var. antisellii (A. Gray ex W.H. Brewer &amp S. Watson) Jeps.
  • Subordinate Taxa:
    • Astragalus trichopodus var. antisellii (A. Gray ex W.H. Brewer &amp S. Watson) Jeps.
    • Astragalus trichopodus phoxus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southern California and Baja California.
  • Observed in locations such as Torrey Pines State Park, CA.
  • Found in the South Carpinteria Salt Marsh (SCSM) in Santa Barbara County.
  • Associated with Cima, Santa Barbara, CA.
  • Grows in dry conditions.

Ecological Role

  • Designated as an invasive species.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a finely textured shrub.
  • Herbaceous forb.
  • Perennial herb.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Larval hostplant for the Palos Verdes Blue butterfly (Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus).
  • Attracts Pale Swallowtail butterflies.

Further Information

  • CalPhotos: [linked to photo resource]
  • Dave's Garden: [linked to resource]
  • Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System Data and Maps: [linked to resource]
  • Discover Life: [linked to resource]
  • University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB): [linked to resource]
  • UC Natural Reserve System: [linked to resource]
  • Calflora: [linked to resource]