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.[2]:121

Astragalus preussii
Apparently Secure
Apparently Secure (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Spermatophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Astragalus
Species:
A. preussii
Binomial name
Astragalus preussii

Description

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Growth pattern

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It is an annual or perennial plant from 4 to 15 inches (10 to 38 cm) tall, growing upright from a woody base.[2]:121

Leaves and stems

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It has compound pinnate leaves from 1+12 to 15 inches (3.8 to 38.1 cm) long, with 7-25 34 inch (1.9 cm), elliptic leaflets.[2]:121

Inflorescence and fruit

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It blooms from March to June.[2]:121 The inflorescence has 3-22 flowers per stalk, with a small, green, 5-lobed calyx around a tubular set of white to pink to purple petals, 34 inch (1.9 cm) long.[2]:121 When dried, 34 inch (1.9 cm) seed pods are papery or leathery, elliptical, and are either smooth or covered with soft hairs.[2]:121

Habitat and range

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It only grows in soils containing Selenium.[2]:121

Ecological and human interactions

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It is named after Charles Preuss.[2]:121

References

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  1. NatureServe (2024). "Astragalus preussii". Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Canyon Country Wildflowers, Damian Fagan, 2nd ed., 2012, Morris Bush Publishing, LLC. in cooperation with Canyonlands Natural History Association, ISBN 978-0-7627-7013-7