Freckled milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 151 (1831))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Douglas ex Hook.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 151 (1831)

Year: 1831

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astragalus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & SC. U.S.A. to N. Mexico

Description

Freckled milkvetch, known scientifically as Astragalus lentiginosus, is a remarkable plant first described in detail in the early 19th century. The botanical documentation of this species can be traced back to “Flora Boreali-Americana” (Fl. Bor.-Amer.), page 151, edited in 1831, under the authorship of Douglas ex Hook.

This resilient member of the Fabaceae family thrives predominantly in the western and south-central regions of the United States, extending its habitat into northern Mexico. Freckled milkvetch is uniquely adapted to its native environments, showcasing a diverse array of morphological characteristics that have fascinated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Characterized by its distinctive spotted or freckled pods, which give the plant its common name, Freckled milkvetch exhibits a variety of forms and subspecies, each adapted to specific ecological niches. The plant’s overall structure, from its delicate leaflets to its vibrant, often purple-hued flowers, contributes to the biological diversity of the regions it inhabits.

In ecological terms, Freckled milkvetch plays a critical role in its ecosystem. As a member of the legume family, it engages in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil and benefiting neighboring plants. Its flowers are also a source of nectar, attracting a range of pollinators including bees, which are vital for the health of natural and agricultural landscapes.

The geographical spread of Astragalus lentiginosus, from the arid deserts to mountainous terrains, underscores the plant’s adaptability and resilience. These attributes have made Freckled milkvetch a subject of scientific interest, further emphasized by its survival strategies in some of the more challenging environments within its range.

In summary, Freckled milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus) is not only an integral component of the flora in western and south-central United States and northern Mexico but also a species of significant ecological and botanical interest. Its study offers insights into plant adaptability, ecosystem interactions, and the overall biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: freckled milkvetch, speckledpod milkvetch, mottled milkvetch
En: Freckled milkvetch, Freckled Milk-Vetch, Fish Slough milk-vetch, Speckledpod milkvetch, Specklepod loco milkvetch, Specklepod milkvetch, Mottled Milkvetch

Synonyms

• Astragalus lentiginosus var. typicus (Barneby)
• Cystium lentiginosum ((Douglas ex Hook.) Rydb.)
• Tragacantha lentiginosa ((Douglas ex Hook.) Kuntze)
• Phaca lentiginosa ((Douglas ex Hook.) Piper)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 21, 2008 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 25, 2008 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 25, 2008 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 25, 2008 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Cody Solis (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 16, 2011 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2011 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2011 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2011 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2011 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Cody Solis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Cody Solis (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:478288-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5344810)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus lentiginosus Hook.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Shrub, Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.4

Ph minimum: 5.7