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Jepson's Milk-Vetch
(Astragalus rattanii var. jepsonianus )
Fabaceae

Jepson's Milk-vetch; Photo Copyright Roxanne Bittman and CNPS
Photo Copyright Roxanne Bittman and CNPS

Description: Annual herb with minute, stiff, straight hairs, and stems 1 1/2 - 12 inches (4-30cm) long. Leaves 5/8 - 2 inches (1.5-5cm) long, with 7-9 obovate leaflets with blunt or notched tips, 1/16 - 1/2 inches (2-12mm) long. Inflorescence is head-like, with 4-9 flowers. Flowers contain 2-colored petals (white with a purplish banner tip and keel), 1/4 - 3/8 inches (7-9.5mm) long, and calyx 1/8 inch (2.5-3.4mm) long. Fruit are linear, papery pods with pitted seeds, 5/8 - 1 1/8 inch (1.5-3cm) long, 1/8 inch (2-3mm) wide.

Distribution:

Habitat: Open, grassy or gravelly areas, meadows, commonly on serpentine. Elevation 1024 - 2240 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

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

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Field Office: Ukiah

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Last updated: 08-05-2010