Thursday

Astragalus

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This page last updated on 03/30/2018
(Fig. 01)


Picture Notes The two pictures in (Figs. 01 & 02) were taken along a hike in the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Our hike guide provided the name of this plant. For more on this hike and location go to ...  Tufa Beds Trails (TUSK) - Trip Notes for 03/28/2018.

Description: In a search of the Internet, I was only able to find very limited information about this plant. Astragalus is a large genus of about 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae and the subfamily Faboideae. It is the largest genus of plants in terms of described species. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Common names include milkvetch (most species), locoweed (in North America, some species), goat's-thorn and huáng qí in Chinese. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. Some pale-flowered vetches are similar in appearance, but vetches are more vine-like. It is a perennial plant and it is not listed as being threatened.
                                 
(Fig. 02)