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Astragalus americanus
Astragalus americanus (Hook.) M.E. Jones
American Milkvetch, American Milk-vetch, Rattlepod
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s): Astragalus frigidus var. americanus, Astragalus frigidus var. gaspensis, Phaca americana
USDA Symbol: ASAM3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
A woody-based, branched perennial, 1-3 ft. tall with large, light green, pinnately-compound leaves and greenish-white, tinged purple, pea-like flowers in loose racemes.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Pinnate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , GreenBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , CO , MT , SD , WYCanada: AB , BC , SK
Native Distribution: AK, s. in Rockies though e. B.C. & MT to CO; also in the Black Hills & scattered e. in Canada to Que.
Native Habitat: Stream banks; meadows; thicket openings; flood plains
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rocky or sandy soils.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Bumble Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Easily propagated by seed sown unstratified in fall or stratified in spring.Seed Collection: Take care to collect pods before seeds are eaten by insects.
Seed Treatment: Scarification, inoculation, and moist stratification for 10 days.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
Web Reference
Webref 65 - Montana Field Guides - Plants (2020) State of MontanaWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Astragalus americanus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Astragalus americanus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Astragalus americanus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-31Research By: TWC Staff