Ann Kelsey’s milkvetch
Astragalus kelseyae
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G1
State (S-rank): S1
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Astragalus kelseyae is known from Weber County, Utah where it was discovered in 2011 by Beth Corbin on a slope that intersects a popular hiking trail near Weber State University. This species grows on loose shale, talus slopes and is associated with the oak-maple plant community. Ann's Milkvetch is a low growing plant having wide leaflets and thin whitish-pink flowers peaking out of them. The inflated fruit grow many times the size of the flower they come from and lay like fuzzy eggs laid in a nest of this plant.
Description
Astragalus kelseyae is known from Weber County, Utah where it was discovered in 2011 by Beth Corbin on a slope that intersects a popular hiking trail near Weber State University. This species grows on loose shale, talus slopes and is associated with the oak-maple plant community. Ann's Milkvetch is a low growing plant having wide leaflets and thin whitish-pink flowers peaking out of them. The inflated fruit grow many times the size of the flower they come from and lay like fuzzy eggs laid in a nest of this plant.
Diagnostic characteristics
Astragalus kelseyae is a distinct species within its limited range. It can be identified by its large white flowers, the inflated fruit pods and having leaves with malpighian hairs.
Species range
Found only in Weber County, Utah
Threats or limiting factors
Major threats from invasive species like Dyer's Woad and Myrtle Spurge as well as impacts from proximity to urban areas.
One occurrence is dissected by a popular trail. Invasive species are also a threat (Corbin 2011).
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies