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Description
Astragalus Layneae is a species of flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Layne’s Milk Vetch and is native to the United States, specifically in the states of Utah and Colorado. The plant is named after Stanley D. Layne, a botanist who discovered it in 1968.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Layneae is a perennial plant that grows up to 30 centimeters tall. It has a woody stem and a taproot system. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 9-15 leaflets that are oblong to elliptic in shape. The flowers are pink to purple and are borne on spikes that grow up to 6 centimeters long. The fruits are hairy pods that contain 2-4 seeds.
Care Guide
Astragalus Layneae is an easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
Water:
Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization:
Fertilize the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
Soil:
Astragalus Layneae prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add organic matter such as compost to improve soil quality.
Sunlight:
The plant requires full sun to thrive. Ensure that it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones:
Astragalus Layneae can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Layneae is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Astragalus Layneae is native to the intermountain region of the United States, specifically in Utah and Colorado. It grows in dry, rocky soils and is commonly found in sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Layneae a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Astragalus Layneae is adapted to survive in dry, arid conditions and is drought-tolerant.
Q: Can Astragalus Layneae be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Astragalus Layneae can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its taproot system.
Q: How long does Astragalus Layneae take to bloom?
A: Astragalus Layneae typically blooms in late spring to early summer.
Q: Is Astragalus Layneae a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Astragalus species are known for their medicinal properties, and Astragalus Layneae is no exception. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system and treat various ailments.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Astragalus Layneae:
- Astragalus bisulcatus
- Astragalus canadensis
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus mexicanus
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/astragalus_layneae.shtml
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASLA6
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASLA6
- Hickman, J. C. (Ed.). (1993). The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California (Vol. 1). Univ of California Press.
