Lemmon's Milk-Vetch
(Astragalus lemmonii )
Fabaceae

Photo Copyright 1990 Dean Wm. Taylor

Description:

Widely branched perennial with prostrate stems. Plant sparingly strigose. Leaf ½ - 1 ¾ inches (1-4.5 cm), 7-15 leaflets narrowly elliptic, 1/16 – 7/16 inches (2-11 mm). Ascending inflorescences are 2-13 flowered; flowers whitish to dull lilac; banner 3/16 – ¼ inch (4.8-6.1 mm), Fruit ⅛– 5/16 inches (4-7 mm), 3 sided, papery. 

Distribution:

Modoc Plateau from Modoc County south to Sierra County.

Habitat: Sandy, moist somewhat alkaline soils in silver sagebrush communities; often associated with meadows and lakeshores.  4,300-7,200 feet (1,300-2,200 m).

Flowering Period: May- July

Similar Plants:

Astragalus agrestis but that species has a larger banner (>7 mm) and generally 1 puduncle with a head-like inflorescence.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B.2; Nevada Native Plant Society Watch.