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Description
Astragalus Magdalenae, commonly known as the Magdalena milkvetch, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This beautiful plant is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it can be found growing in rocky and sandy soils. The Magdalena milkvetch can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of 1-2 feet. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 11-21 leaflets that are oblong to elliptic in shape. The plant produces clusters of beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom from April to June. The flowers are followed by seed pods that are long and narrow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Magdalena milkvetch is a beautiful plant that adds color and texture to any garden. Its leaves are a light green color and are pinnately compound, with 11-21 leaflets that are oblong to elliptic in shape. The plant produces clusters of beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom from April to June. The flowers are followed by seed pods that are long and narrow.
Care Guide
The Magdalena milkvetch is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful plant:- Water: The Magdalena milkvetch prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: The Magdalena milkvetch prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: The Magdalena milkvetch is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Magdalena milkvetch is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil.
Habitat
The Magdalena milkvetch is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it can be found growing in rocky and sandy soils. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and extreme temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Magdalena milkvetch a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, the Magdalena milkvetch is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in dry conditions.
Q: Can the Magdalena milkvetch be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Magdalena milkvetch can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Magdalena milkvetch?
A: The plant does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Q: Is the Magdalena milkvetch poisonous?
A: No, the Magdalena milkvetch is not poisonous and is safe for pets and humans.
Related Plants
– Astragalus allochrous- Astragalus arizonicus- Astragalus bisulcatus- Astragalus cibarius- Astragalus coltonii
References
– USDA Plants Database. (2021). Astragalus magdalenae. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ASMA8- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2021). Astragalus magdalenae. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASMA8
