Astragalus preussii
| Astragalus preussii | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Astragalus |
| Species: | A. preussii |
| Binomial name | |
| Astragalus preussii A.Gray | |
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 tublular 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