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Description
Astragalus Douglasii Var. Parishii, commonly known as Parish’s milk-vetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to California. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is a subspecies of Astragalus douglasii. This plant can grow up to 18 inches in height and is highly drought-resistant. It has a taproot that can reach up to 10 feet deep, making it an excellent plant for soil stabilization in erosion-prone areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Parish’s milk-vetch has blue-green leaves that are pinnately compound, with 3-7 leaflets. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in clusters of 5-15. The fruit is a curved pod that contains 1-3 seeds, which are round and brownish in color. This plant blooms in the spring and summer, and its seeds ripen from July to August.
Care Guide
Parish’s milk-vetch is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: This plant requires little water and can survive long periods of drought. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Fertilization: Parish’s milk-vetch does not require fertilization.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay.
- Sunlight: Parish’s milk-vetch prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Parish’s milk-vetch is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in wet conditions.
Habitat
Parish’s milk-vetch is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. It is commonly found in the foothills and mountains of southern California.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Parish’s milk-vetch an endangered species?
A: No, it is not currently listed as an endangered species.
Q: Can Parish’s milk-vetch be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but it is not recommended as it prefers to grow in the ground.
Q: How often should I water Parish’s milk-vetch?
A: Water only when the soil is completely dry, which can be every 2-3 weeks.
Q: How long does it take for Parish’s milk-vetch to bloom?
A: This plant blooms in the spring and summer, usually from April to July.
Related Plants
- Astragalus douglasii
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus purshii
- Astragalus utahensis
References
- Calflora – Astragalus douglasii var. parishii
- CNPS Rare Plant Program – Astragalus douglasii var. parishii
- USDA Plants Database – Astragalus douglasii var. parishii
