Ash Valley Milk-Vetch
(Astragalus anxius )
Fabaceae

Photo Copyright Susan Cochrane and CNPS

Description:

Distribution: Lassen County. Within public lands administered by the Alturas Field Office. Main population center is in Ash Valley (Ash Valley ACEC/RNA). Also occurs on the Modoc National Forest.

Habitat: Shallow soiled barren volcanic outcrops in sagebrush-juniper-Jeffery pine areas at 5,000 to 5,300 feet (1524 - 1615 meters).

Flowering Period: May - June

Similar Plants: Rather distinct. Similar to Tiehm's milkvetch (Astragalus tiehmii) of Washoe County, Nevada, but distributions don't overlap. Similar to Ames milkvetch (Astragalus pulsiferae) it has larger 3/8 - 3/4 inches (8-20 mm) inflated pods, 4-9 seeded, and pale whitish flowers.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B.3

Field Office: Alturas

Much branched perennial herb with hairs on lower stems. Leaves 3/4 - 2 inches (2-5 cm) long with 9-13 notched leaflets, 1/16 - 3/16 inches (1.5-5 mm) long. Flowers many, banner 1/4 - 3/8 inches (6.5-10 mm) long, purple striped, wings white. Pod 1/8 inch (3.5-4.5 mm) long, weakly compressed, 2-3 seeded.

Identifying Features:

1. Branched silver wavy haired mat forming perennial.
2. Small purple striped flowers.
3. Oval 2-3 seeded small pod.