Mesic Milkvetch
Bonnie Heidel; Jessica Irwin Photo from iNaturalist; L. Armstrong
Astragalus diversifolius
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S1
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Astragulus diversifolius also known as mesic milkvetch is a perennial legume restricted to saline meadows in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada. The whitish-green to purple flowers of this legume can be found blooming in May and June. As a water dependent species, the main threats are habitat destruction and alternations of hydrological pathways.
Description
Astragulus diversifolius also known as mesic milkvetch is a perennial legume restricted to saline meadows in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada. The whitish-green to purple flowers of this legume can be found blooming in May and June. As a water dependent species, the main threats are habitat destruction and alternations of hydrological pathways.
Phenology
Flowering in May and June.
Diagnostic characteristics
Astragalus diversifolius is similar to A. convallarius but has a more shallow caudex and 10-17 mm long pods versus 13-50 mm and tends to grow in wetter areas.
Species range
Mesic milkveth can be found in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming.
Threats or limiting factors
Mesic milkvetch is threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural practices, mining, energy development and invasive salt-tolerant exotic species. Changes to the natural hydrology of saline wetlands may also be an issue.
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies