Astragalus flexuosus

(Flexile Milkvetch)

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Astragalus flexuosus, FR265, Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Co. 4054

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Astragalus flexuosus, FR265, Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Co. 4050

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Astragalus flexuosus, FR265, Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Co. 4038

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Astragalus flexuosus, FR265, Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Co. 4047

Scientific Name Astragalus flexuosus var. flexuosus USDA PLANTS Symbol ASFLF
Common Name Fleible Milkvetch ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 192501
Family Fabaceae (Pea) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (4500 to 10300 ft.); drier soils in meadows, forest openings and other open areas.
Plant: Sprawling perennial less than 2 ft. tall with a tangled, vine-like appearance; several to many stems tending to recline with up-turned tips; herbage moderately hairy (finely strigose).
Leaves: Odd-pinnately-compound leaves 2 to 3 inches long with each blade divided into 11 to 25 linear to oblong-lanceolate leaflets, 1/8 to 3/4-inch long; tips bluntly-rounded or with a small notch.
Inflorescence: Loose racemes arising from the leaf axils on peduncles 1 to 2-3/8 inches long with 10 to 30 pea-like blossoms; corollas are whitish to pale purple, 3/8 to 5/8 inch long on a very short stalk; the calyx tube has fine hairs and is less than 1/4-inch long with pointed lobes;.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Minnesota Wildflowers and Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources.
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