No images found for this plant ID: 4793.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4793" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Zion milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus zionis var. zionis
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Zion Milkvetch (Astragalus zionis)
Astragalus zionis, commonly known as Zion milkvetch, is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions "locoweed" as a common name for some Astragalus species, which could be a concern as some locoweeds are known to be toxic to livestock. More research is needed to determine if Zion milkvetch specifically poses a risk.
- The plant has compound leaves with "many pairs of opposite rather silvery (and hairy) leaflets", which could be a physical irritant if ingested or come into contact with the skin.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus zionis M.E. Jones
- Common Name: Zion milkvetch
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family or Legume Family)
- Genus: Astragalus L. (milkvetch, astragales, locoweed)
- Varieties:
- Astragalus zionis var. zionis M.E. Jones
- Astragalus zionis var. vigulus S.L. Welsh
- Synonyms: While not explicitly stated as a synonym, Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits Milkvetch) is another species of milkvetch found in the same region, suggesting a close relationship within the genus.
Distribution and Habitat
- Zion milkvetch is primarily found in Zion National Park, Utah, USA.
- It is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in Zion Canyon.
- Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits Milkvetch), a related species, has a narrow distribution in Washington County.
- The plant grows on "odd soils", increasing Zion's diversity.
Morphological Characteristics
- Zion milkvetch is described as a low, spreading plant.
- It has compound leaves with many pairs of opposite, silvery, and hairy leaflets.
- It features purple pea-type flowers that are low to the ground.
Ecological Role
- The text mentions that over 100 plant species growing in Zion National Park did not occur there until European settlement, implying potential ecological shifts and the need for active management.
- It's mentioned alongside other plants like sagebrush, yucca, and prickly pear, suggesting it is part of a broader plant community.
Further Information
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus zionis.
- Encyclopedia of Life also provides information on Astragalus zionis.
- The Zion National Park Service monitors related species such as Shivwits milkvetch (Astragalus ampullarioides).