Astragalus Whitneyi

Description

Astragalus Whitneyi, also known as Whitney’s milkvetch or Whitney’s astragalus, is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to western North America, specifically to the Great Basin region of the United States.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Fabales
Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Astragalus

Appearance

Astragalus Whitneyi can grow up to 40 centimeters tall and has a woody stem covered in fine hairs. The leaves are composed of 9-13 leaflets that are oval-shaped and have pointed tips. The flowers are pink or purple and grow in clusters. The fruit is a legume that contains several seeds.

Care Guide

Astragalus Whitneyi prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of fertilizer in the spring can improve growth.

Common Pests & Diseases

Astragalus Whitneyi is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

Habitat

Astragalus Whitneyi is found in dry, rocky soils in the Great Basin region of the United States. It is commonly found in sagebrush and pinyon-juniper communities.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Astragalus Whitneyi be grown indoors?

A: No, Astragalus Whitneyi is best grown outdoors in its natural habitat.

Q: How often should I water Astragalus Whitneyi?

A: Astragalus Whitneyi prefers moderate watering, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Q: What is the blooming season of Astragalus Whitneyi?

A: Astragalus Whitneyi blooms from May to July.

Q: Is Astragalus Whitneyi toxic to pets?

A: There is no information to suggest that Astragalus Whitneyi is toxic to pets.

Related Plants

• Astragalus bisulcatus
• Astragalus lentiginosus
• Astragalus magdalenae
• Astragalus purshii

References

• “Astragalus Whitneyi.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASWH.
• “Astragalus Whitneyi – Whitney’s Milk Vetch.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:23074-2.
• “Astragalus Whitneyi.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ASWH.