Astragalus spatulatus is a plant in the milkvetch genus in the legume family and it is commonly referred to as tufted milkvetch and draba milkvetch. This plant was previously named Homalobus caespitosus by J. Torrey and A. Gray in 1838, however, it was reclassified into a new genus and then renamed in 1894 by E. Sheldon.
Description Small perennial plant forming dense tufts (1.5–9 (–12) cm), with short stems up to 1.5 cm long. Leaves are simple, oblanceolate, and alternate on the stems, measuring 1–3 cm. Produces purple flowers in May and June, which develop into erect, strigose legumes containing 4–12 seeds. Possesses a taproot that helps anchor the plant in the soil.
Taxonomy Astragalus spatulatus was scientifically described and named by Edmund Perry Sheldon in 1894. It is classified as a member of the genus Astragalus in the family Fabaceae. It has no accepted varieties, but has two in its thirteen synonyms.
Table of Synonyms Name Year Rank Notes Astragalus caespitosus 1864 species ≡ hom., nom. illeg. Astragalus simplex 1925 species = het. Astragalus simplicifolius var. caespitosus 1895 variety ≡ hom. Astragalus simplicifolius var. spatulatus 1902 variety ≡ hom. Astragalus spatulatus var. simplex 1937 variety = het. Astragalus spatulatus var. typicus 1947 variety ≡ hom., not validly publ. Astragalus spatulatus var. uniflorus 1947 variety = het. Homalobus brachycarpus 1838 species = het. Homalobus caespitosus 1838 species ≡ hom. Homalobus canescens 1838 species = het. Homalobus uniflorus 1907 species = het. Phaca brachycarpa 1894 species = het., nom. illeg. Tragacantha caespitosa 1891 species ≡ hom. Notes: ≡ homotypic synonym; = heterotypic synonym
Distribution and habitat Astragalus spatulatus has as widely distributed from Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada and in central and western United states including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
This plant grows in a wide variety of habitat typical in between 600–2700 m elevation. Astragalus spatulatus can be found in open areas such as grassland and prairies and in mountain brush communities, such as sage brush and pinyon-juniper.
Ecology Pollinated by various species of bumble bees (Bombus spp.).
Uses No known herbal uses.
References
External links (Photo Gallery)