Common name:
Ferron milkvetch
Family:
Scientific name:
Astragalus musiniensis
Main flower color:
Range:
Southeast Utah and a small area of west Colorado
Height:
Between 1 and 5 inches
Habitat:
Scrubland, pinyon-juniper woodland; up to 7,600 feet
Leaves:
Up to 5 inches in length, divided into 3 or 5 lanceolate leaflets, up to 1.5 inches long
Season:
April to May
Astragalus musiniensis is an uncommon species found in the northern half of the Colorado Plateau, though it can still be locally widespread in such places as Capitol Reef National Park. The plant is easy to identify since its compound leaves have only three or five leaflets, fewer than other astragalus species in this region. Leaflets are relatively long and thin, and have pointed tips. Plants have no stems; the leaves and flower stalks grow from the base. Leaves and stalks have a covering of silver-colored hairs.
Flowers are produced singly or in groups of up to six; they are formed of a green calyx, becoming purple when mature, and sparsely covered by quite long, white, appressed hairs, and pink to purple petals. Buds are cream-colored, while the petals wither to bluish-purple. Seed pods are around 1.5 inches long, inflated, and fairly straight.
Flowers are produced singly or in groups of up to six; they are formed of a green calyx, becoming purple when mature, and sparsely covered by quite long, white, appressed hairs, and pink to purple petals. Buds are cream-colored, while the petals wither to bluish-purple. Seed pods are around 1.5 inches long, inflated, and fairly straight.
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