Status:
valid
Authors:
M.E.Jones
Source:
ildis
Year:
1891
Citation Micro:
Zoe2: 243 (1891)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000169873
Common Names
- Desperate Milkvetch
- Desperate Astragalus
- Desperate Locoweed
Synonyms
- Astragalus desperatus typicus Barneby [invalid]
- Batidophaca desperata (M.E.Jones) Rydb. [valid]
- Tium desperatum (M.E.Jones) Rydb. [valid]
- Batidophaca despelata (M.E.Jones) Rydb. [unknown]
Description
Astragalus desperatus (also called 'Desperate Milkvetch', among many other common names) is a perennial shrub native to South America. It has pinnate leaves and yellow flowers. It is found in open areas and along roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Astragalus desperatus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Astragalus desperatus var. neeseae Barneby
Astragalus desperatus var. desperatus
Astragalus desperatus var. conspectus Barneby
Astragalus desperatus var. petrophilus M.E.Jones
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Astragalus desperatus has yellow flowers with a diameter of 1-2 cm. The seed is a small, dark brown, flattened and oval-shaped legume. The seedlings are small, with two leaflets and a pair of thorns at the base of the leaf stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Astragalus desperatus is a perennial shrub that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Where to Find Astragalus desperatus
Astragalus desperatus can be found in the western United States, from California to Colorado and Wyoming.
Astragalus desperatus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Astragalus desperatus?
Astragalus desperatus
What are the common names of Astragalus desperatus?
Desperate milkvetch, Desperate locoweed
What is the natural habitat of Astragalus desperatus?
Astragalus desperatus is native to the western United States and is found in dry, desert areas
Species in the Astragalus genus
Astragalus rumelicus,
Astragalus nevadensis,
Astragalus tymphresteus,
Astragalus alpinus,
Astragalus penduliflorus,
Astragalus anni-novi,
Astragalus austroargentinus,
Astragalus beatleyae,
Astragalus iselyi,
Astragalus moranii,
Astragalus neoburkartianus,
Astragalus neuquenensis,
Astragalus oxyphysopsis,
Astragalus phoenix,
Astragalus sanctorum,
Astragalus schinetorum,
Astragalus amnis-amissi,
Astragalus ampullarius,
Astragalus andersonii,
Astragalus anemophilus,
Astragalus anisus,
Astragalus applegatii,
Astragalus aquilonius,
Astragalus arequipensis,
Astragalus argentinus,
Astragalus argophyllus,
Astragalus aridus,
Astragalus arizonicus,
Astragalus arrectus,
Astragalus arthurii,
Astragalus asclepiadoides,
Astragalus asplundii,
Astragalus asymmetricus,
Astragalus atratus,
Astragalus austiniae,
Astragalus beathii,
Astragalus beckwithii,
Astragalus bellus,
Astragalus bernardinus,
Astragalus berteri,
Astragalus bicristatus,
Astragalus bisulcatus,
Astragalus bodinii,
Astragalus bolanderi,
Astragalus bourgovii,
Astragalus brackenridgei,
Astragalus brandegei,
Astragalus brauntonii,
Astragalus brazoensis,
Astragalus breweri,
Species in the Fabaceae family