SafePlants

Astragalus whitneyi: Balloon-pod Milk-vetch

Astragalus whitneyi is a fascinating legume species with distinctive inflated seed pods. This plant is also known by several common names, including Balloon-pod milk-vetch, Balloon milk-vetch, and Whitney's locoweed.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant belongs to the genus Astragalus, many species of which are known as "locoweeds".
• The plant is known for its "inflated seed pods," which may contain small parts.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has "inflated seed pods" that may be attractive to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

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

Common Names

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

Distribution and Habitat

• Astragalus whitneyi is native to the Cascade Range.
• It can also be found in the Sierra Nevada, California and in the Steens Mountains, Oregon.
• It has been observed at an elevation of 6500 feet in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, growing on an east-facing wall in serpentine soil.

Morphological Characteristics

• This plant is a grayish to greenish perennial arising from a taproot and much-branched crown.
• It has decumbent stems that are 5-30 cm long, with variable internode lengths.
• The flowers are described as having "dozens of white blooms in the shape of pods."
• The seed pods are inflated.

Quirky Facts

• The seed pods are sometimes described as having red mottling or spots.