Woollypod Milkvetch
(Astragalus purshii)
Woollypod Milkvetch (Astragalus purshii)
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Cecelia Alexander
CC0 1.0
Image By:
Cecelia Alexander
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Copyright:
CC0 1.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cecelia Alexander | License Type: CC0 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: aspidoscelis | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Astragalus purshii, commonly known as Woollypod Milkvetch, is an evergreen perennial herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and plains in the Western USA and Canada. It typically forms low mats no taller than 14 centimeters and generally less than 5 centimeters high. The inflorescence is a cluster of 1 to 11 flowers, with color variations including pink, rose, purple, or white, depending on geographic location, each flower measuring between 1 and 3 centimeters long. The flowering season varies by location but often occurs in spring. The plant is not particularly showy but has a subtle beauty, especially when in bloom.
Woollypod Milkvetch is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens and sustainable landscaping, including municipal and agency projects aimed at reducing water usage. It is also used in reclamation projects to restore disturbed lands. Seeds of Astragalus purshii do not require stratification and are tolerant of low precipitation, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Plants are hardy to -33°F (-36°C). In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and thrives in soils with medium to fast drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Woollypod Milkvetch is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens and sustainable landscaping, including municipal and agency projects aimed at reducing water usage. It is also used in reclamation projects to restore disturbed lands. Seeds of Astragalus purshii do not require stratification and are tolerant of low precipitation, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Plants are hardy to -33°F (-36°C). In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and thrives in soils with medium to fast drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and plains in the Western USA and Canada
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Astragalus purshii, Astragalus purshii var. typicus, Xylophacos purshii, Phaca purshii, Tragacantha purshii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Astragalus purshii Douglas ex G.Don