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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

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.

From the Image Gallery

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Leaf: Gray-Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr

Distribution

USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , ND , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB , SK

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light 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 age
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Additional resources

USDA: Find Astragalus purshii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Astragalus purshii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Astragalus purshii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2013-12-15
Research By: TWC Staff

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