Gumbo Milkvetch
Astragalus ampullarius
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S2
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Astragalus ampullarius is known only from a narrow region in southern Utah and adjacent Arizona where it is found on clay soils and shale formations. Gumbo Milkvetch has pink purple flowers that grow on leafy above ground stems and spread out and are upright. This species forms skeleton-like remains from a yearly build up of old stems that positively identify this plant in the region.
Description
Astragalus ampullarius is known only from a narrow region in southern Utah and adjacent Arizona where it is found on clay soils and shale formations. Gumbo Milkvetch has pink purple flowers that grow on leafy above ground stems and spread out and are upright. This species forms skeleton-like remains from a yearly build up of old stems that positively identify this plant in the region.
Phenology
Flowers from April to May - early June
Diagnostic characteristics
Astragalus ampullarius does not have any regional look alike species that it could be mistaken for. The diagnostic features for this species are that it has under underground stems as well as prostrate-ascending stems which remain in rosette form still holding the stems and pods from the previous year, sun bleached like a Gumbo Milkvetch skeleton.
Species range
Western Kane and Washington counties, Utah, and adjacent Mohave and Coconino counties, Arizona.
Threats or limiting factors
The threats to this species include recreation, grazing, mining, climate change, road and utility line maintenance.
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies