Native Plants
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Astragalus purshii
Astragalus purshii Douglas ex Hook.
Woollypod Milkvetch, Pursh's Milkvetch
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ASPU9
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Astragalus purshii, common throughout much of western North America, has densely matted stems rarely longer than 4 inches (10 cm) and flowers varying from cream to deep reddish purple, the narrowly lanceolate calyx teeth less than half the length of the tube. It is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), which includes trees, shrubs, herbs, and vines with compound or occasionally simple leaves and flowers usually in clusters.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Leaf: Gray-Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , ND , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , SK
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Benefit
Warning: All plants in the genus Astragalus are potentially toxic to humans and animals if ingested, causing a disorder called locoism. The milk from an animal that has ingested Astragalus plants may also be toxic. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s ageConspicuous Flowers: yes
Additional resources
USDA: Find Astragalus purshii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Astragalus purshii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Astragalus purshii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2013-12-15Research By: TWC Staff