Astragalus scopulorum
(Rocky Mountain Milkvetch)
Astragalus scopulorum, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 0785/0797
Astragalus scopulorum, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5645
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 |
Click Here |
| 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