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Astragalus mollissimus

Astragalus mollissimus Torr.

Woolly Locoweed, Purple Locoweed, Woolly Loco, Woolly Milkvetch, Wooly Loco, Wooly Locoweed

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: asmo7

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Woolly loco gets its name from the many soft hairs that cover its leaves and stems. The plant is 12-18 inches tall, with many sprawling branches that turn upward, forming a rounded clump. Leaves are 6-10 inches long, made up of 20-30 leaflets, thickly covered with silky hairs. The flowers are on the upper 2-4 inches of the stem and grow in clusters. They have 5 sepals and 5 lavender-to-purple petals (248).