| Astragalus coccineus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Astragalus |
| Species: | A. coccineus |
| Binomial name | |
| Astragalus coccineus Brandeg. |
|
Astragalus coccineus is a species of milkvetch known by the common name scarlet milkvetch. It is native to the deserts and scrub of the Southwestern United States, and northern Mexico.
Astragalus coccineus is a clumpy perennial herb coated thickly in white hairs. Leaves are up to 10 centimeters long and are made up of oblong, pointed leaflets. The plant can be distinguished from most other milkvetches by its large, bright scarlet flowers. The inflorescence has up to 10 flowers each 3 to 4 centimeters long, or longer.
The fruit is a plump legume pod which dries to a hairy, leathery texture. It is up to 4 centimeters long.