SafePlants

Astragalus whitneyi: Balloon-pod Milk-vetch

Astragalus whitneyi is a fascinating legume species known for its distinctive inflated seed pods.

Common Names

• Balloon-pod milk-vetch
• Balloon milk-vetch
• Whitney's locoweed
• Whitney's milk vetch
• Balloonpod Milkvetch

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus whitneyi
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Synonym: Astragalus whitneyi var. sonneanus

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is sometimes referred to as "locoweed," a name given to some Astragalus species due to their potential toxicity to livestock.
• The plant produces pea-like pods.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Cascade Range.
• Found in the Sierra Nevada, California.
• Observed at 6500 feet elevation in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Iron Peak, sheltered on an east-facing wall.
• Also found in northeastern Oregon and the Steens Mountains, Oregon.
• Observed in the Wenatchee Mountains, WA.

Morphological Characteristics

• Grayish to greenish perennial.
• Grows from a taproot and much-branched crown.
• Decumbent stems, 5-30 cm long.
• Distinguished by its inflated, red-mottled seed pods.
• Has dozens of white blooms in the shape of pods.
• Pea-like pods are formed as the flowers mature.

Quirky Facts

• The inflated seed pods are sometimes described as "balloons" or "bladders," contributing to the plant's unique appearance and common names.

Additional Information

• Observed at the Squaw Creek Viewpoint off of Interstate 84.
• Dave's Garden is referenced as a community for sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• CalPhotos Photo Database provides details and permission for using images of Astragalus whitneyi.
• The Encyclopedia of Life contains information on Astragalus.