Missouri Milkvetch,Astragalus missouriensis,Pea Family (Fabaceae)

Found in dry openings in pinyon-juniper and sagebrush, and roadsides
Seen blooming in April at the intersection of 68 and 56 in Ohkay Owingeh

There are many species of Milkvetch that grow in our area. The Missouri Milkvetch is so named because it was first collected nearby the Missouri River in 1811. It grows low and sprawling to 5 inches high, covered in dense, white hairs which give the plant a silvery-green appearance. Leaves are divided into 11 to 21 oval leaflets which arch or lay on the ground. Flowers are pink-purple with a white splash in the center, up to 1 inch long, and grow in a cluster at the top of the flower stalk. The flowers turn blue with age. Seedpods are 1 inch long, slightly hairy and slightly curved. Medicinal uses of this specific Milkvetch are unknown. Astragalus root is used to make medicine for hay fever, diabetes, kidney disease, and many other conditions, but some species contain a nerve toxin and have been linked to livestock poisonings. Source.

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