SafePlants

Astragalus umbellatus - Tundra Milkvetch

Astragalus umbellatus, commonly known as Tundra Milkvetch, is a perennial forb/herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that many plants in the Astragalus genus are poisonous, though it doesn't explicitly state that this applies to Astragalus umbellatus.
• Some species in the Astragalus genus are known as "locoweed."

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that some species in the Astragalus genus are known as "locoweed."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus umbellatus Bunge
• Common Name: Tundra Milkvetch, Hairy Arctic Milk Vetch, Alpine Milkvetch, American Milk-vetch
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family)
• Genus: Astragalus L.
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but other names used include "Hairy Arctic Milk Vetch" and "Alpine Milkvetch".
• TSN: 25394 (ITIS Taxonomic Serial Number)

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus umbellatus is found in tundra environments and other cold, dry, exposed areas.
• It occurs on the large fells of Enonteki, climbing fellsides up to the lower regions of the tundra belt.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Quigley Ridge, Denali National Park, Alaska
  • Denali Highway, Alaska
  • Eagle and Twelvemile summits
  • Dry tundra or sandy or gravelly areas
• It grows mostly on limestone soils in subalpine to alpine meadows, rocks and rocky slopes, and in tundra.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a perennial plant growing to a height of approximately 0.2 meters (8 inches).
• It is classified as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• The flowers are hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female organs.

Ecology

• This plant occupies dry tundra or sandy or gravelly areas.
• It grows on subalpine to alpine meadows, rocks and rocky slopes, in tundra.
• It is pollinated by unspecified means.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers are pollinated by unspecified pollinators.
• In some northern latitudes, wildlife relies on Astragalus umbellatus for sustenance.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning they have both male and female organs.
• The text provides alternative pronunciations of the scientific name.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus umbellatus.