Astragalus convallarius
(Lesser Rushy Milkvetch)
Astragalus convallarius, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0431
Astragalus convallarius, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0451
Astragalus convallarius, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0442
Astragalus convallarius, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0438
| Scientific Name | Astragalus convallarius | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ASCO12 |
| Common Name | Lesser Rushy Milkvetch, Timber Milkvetch | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 25477 |
| Family | Fabaceae (Pea) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (4700 to 9200 ft); dry soils in open areas, shale slopes, hillsides and grasslands; often associated with conifers and sagebrush. Plant: Slender perennial with 1 to 6 erect to spreading stems up to 20 inches tall; foliage in lower portion of plant is somewhat hairy, smooth in upper portion. Leaves: Simple or pinnately-compound leaves with up to 13 leaflets 3/4 to 4 inches long that are narrow, threadlike or linear with upward-curling edges. Inflorescence: Stalks 3/4 to 3-1/2 inches long arising from upper leaf axils with scattered small pea-like flowers; blossoms are white to yellowish and purple-veined or possibly purple; upward-bent banner is 1/4 to nearly 1/2-inch long; calyx is less than 1/4-inch long and sparsely covered with white or black hairs. Bloom Period: June to August. Fruit: Green or purple-mottled pods, narrowly oblong or oblanceolate and 1/2 to 2 inches long. Reference: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and Montana Field Guide. |
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