Astragalus Species, Rare Loco Milkvetch
Astragalusleptocarpus

Family: Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Astragalus (ass-TRA-gal-uss)
Species: leptocarpus (lep-toh-KAR-pus)

Synonym:Astragalus leptocarpoides

Synonym:Astragalus nuttallianus var. leptocarpoides

Synonym:Hamosa leptocarpa

Synonym:Hamosa leptocarpoides

Synonym:Tragacantha leptocarpa

Category
Perennials
Vines and Climbers

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous
This plant is resistant to deer
Smooth
Succulent

Foliage Color
Bronze
Blue-Green

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Medium Purple

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for cutting
Flowers are good for drying and preserving
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline)
over 9.1 (very alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked
Scarify seed before sowing

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible