Astragalus spp. (Locoweed, Milkvetch)

Photographs

My photos:

The plant to the left was in full bloom at Joshua Tree in March.

The photo below was taken on Mt Palomar in April. It's a handsome plant even without flowers.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Fabaceae

In the garden:

Not recommended.

In the wild:

Astragalus is the largest genus of vascular plants on Earth. The recorded history of Astragalus dates back at least to the 1st century A.D., and the genus was well known to western European botanists of the 17th century. A large number of North American species are poisonous, especially to livestock and wildlife, a property due to the accumulation of selenium from soils or synthesis of toxic levels of certain nitrotoxins and alkaloids in the foliage - hence the name "locoweed" ("loco" is Spanish for crazy) given to many species.

Read about "Astragalian Radiation" and learn more about the evolutionary adaptations of this plant.

Ethnobotany:

In general, our area's native people did not use this plant, although there are reports of the use of the seeds as a spice. It is generally agreed that it is poisonous to livestock and wildlife.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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