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Description
Astragalus Distortus, also known as the Taylor’s Milk Vetch, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant species is native to North America and can be found in various locations, including Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The Taylor’s Milk Vetch is a small plant that typically grows up to 15 cm in height. It has a woody base and stems that are covered with tiny hairs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Taylor’s Milk Vetch has greyish-green leaves that are pinnately compound and have a hairy texture. The flowers of the Astragalus Distortus are small and typically purple in color. They are clustered together, forming a compact inflorescence. The fruit of this plant is a legume that contains several seeds. The seeds are small and have a hard outer covering.
Care Guide
The Taylor’s Milk Vetch is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here is a guide on how to care for this plant:- Water: The Taylor’s Milk Vetch prefers a well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. It is recommended to water this plant regularly, especially during the growing season.- Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The Taylor’s Milk Vetch prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: This plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions.- Hardiness Zones: The Taylor’s Milk Vetch is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Taylor’s Milk Vetch is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Additionally, it can attract aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Taylor’s Milk Vetch is native to North America and can be found in various locations, including Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. It typically grows in dry, rocky areas and can be found in mountain meadows, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Taylor’s Milk Vetch be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow this plant indoors, it prefers to be grown outdoors in a well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water the Taylor’s Milk Vetch?
A: This plant prefers a consistently moist soil. It is recommended to water it regularly, especially during the growing season.
Q: How tall does the Taylor’s Milk Vetch grow?
A: This plant typically grows up to 15 cm in height.
Q: Does the Taylor’s Milk Vetch attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
– Astragalus Brachycalyx- Astragalus Canadensis – Astragalus Cicer – Astragalus Crassicarpus – Astragalus Lentiginosus
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Astragalus distortus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASDI – Taylor’s Milk Vetch. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASDI
