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Milkvetch
Legume Family : Fabaceae
Latin Name : Astragalus lindheimeri
Longevity : Perennial
Season : Warm
Origin : Native
Value : Wildlife – good
Livestock – good
Remarks :
Also known as, "Lindheimer milkvetch". Flowers
March to May. Adapted to gravelly limestone soils
where vegetation is sparse. Prairie hillsides, rocky
bluffs, brushy ravines, stream valleys, and roadsides.
This plant is quite conspicuous in the areas where it
occurs. The flowers often open before the leaves
have fully developed giving the appearance of solid
patches of purple. This plant is very aromatic and
omits a pleasant, grape like smell. Milkvetch is often
confused with the true vetches (Vicia spp.), but lacks
the tendrils of vetches. This plant is preferred by
deer and is occasionally grazed by livestock. Although
this plant is closely related to "Locoweeds",
it is not toxic to livestock.
Source: USDA-NRCS
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