Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus
(Alpine Milkvetch)
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Cottonwood Pass, Gunnison Co. 3633/3648
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Cottonwood Pass, Gunnison Co. 3609
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Hoosier Pass, Park, Co. 1377/1390
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 1859/1878
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Lower McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 2531
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Hoosier Pass, Park Co. 8927
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 5707
Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Cottonwood Pass, Gunnison Co. 3652
| Scientific Name | Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ASALA4 |
| Common Name | Alpine Milkvetch | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 192322 |
| Family | Fabaceae (Pea) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (7500 to 12700 ft.); often in moist areas (woodlands, meadows, around streams and lakes), aspen groves and on tundra, cold, dry, exposed areas.
Plant: Mat-forming perennial with weak, slender, hairy stems, very short or up to 10 inches long. Leaves: Pinnately-compound basal leaves 2 to 8 inches long; 15-25 leaflets, less than 1/4 to 3/4-inch long, oval-ovate to nearly round, slightly hairy surfaces. Inflorescence: Small racemes on peduncles 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long, with 7 to 17 nodding pea-like flowers with white to purplish petals; each blossom less than 1/2-inch long; calyx tube with small black hairs. Bloom Period: June to August. References: "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map
Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains