Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus

(Alpine Milkvetch)

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Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Cottonwood Pass, Gunnison Co. 3633/3648

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Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Cottonwood Pass, Gunnison Co. 3609

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Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Hoosier Pass, Park, Co. 1377/1390

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Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 1859/1878

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Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Lower McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 2531

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Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Hoosier Pass, Park Co. 8927

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Astragalus alpinus var. alpinus, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 5707

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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