Astragalus scopulorum

(Rocky Mountain Milkvetch)

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Astragalus scopulorum, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 0785/0797

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Astragalus scopulorum, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5645

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Astragalus scopulorum, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 0822

Scientific Name Astragalus scopulorum USDA PLANTS Symbol ASSC7
Common Name Rocky Mountain Milkvetch ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 25670
Family Fabaceae (Pea) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (6300 to 11000 ft); sunny areas, dry slopes, among sagebrush, conifer woodlands and aspen groves.
Plant: Erect or leaning perennial, light-red stems 6 to 18 inches tall.
Leaves: Pinnately-compound leaves each with 15 to 29 green oval-oblong to linear-elliptic or oblanceolate leaflets with pointed tips, 1/4 to 3/4-inch long and somewhat hairy undersides.
Inflorescence: Raceme of 10 to 22 white to pale yellow pea-like flowers; light green calyx is covered by short, light or dark hairs.
Bloom Period: May to July.
Fruit: Green or greenish brown, purple-speckled, smooth pods linear-oblong to linear-oblanceolate 1 to 1-3/8 inches long.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountain Region by Denver Botanical Garden and SW Colorado Wildflowers.
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