Astragalus preussii
Astragalus preussii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fabales |
Family: | Fabaceae |
Subfamily: | Faboideae |
Genus: | Astragalus |
Species: | A. preussii
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Binomial name | |
Astragalus preussii |
Astragalus preussii (common name - Preuss’ milkvetch) is an annual or perennial plant in the legume family (Fabaceae) found in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands region of the southwestern United States.[1]: 121
Description
Growth pattern
It is an annual or perennial plant from 4 to 15 inches (10 to 38 cm) tall, growing upright from a woody base.[1]: 121
Leaves and stems
It has compound pinnate leaves from 1+1⁄2 to 15 inches (3.8 to 38.1 cm) long, with 7-25 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm), elliptic leaflets.[1]: 121
Inflorescence and fruit
It blooms from March to June.[1]: 121 The inflorescence has 3-22 flowers per stalk, with a small, green, 5-lobed calyx around a tubular set of white to pink to purple petals, 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) long.[1]: 121 When dried, 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) seed pods are papery or leathery, elliptical, and are either smooth or covered with soft hairs.[1]: 121
Habitat and range
It only grows in soils containing Selenium.[1]: 121
Ecological and human interactions
It is named after Charles Preuss.[1]: 121