Astragalus Nuttallii
Contents
Description
Astragalus Nuttallii, commonly known as Nuttall’s milkvetch, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the pea family. The plant is native to North America, and it can be found in various regions, including the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and Columbia Plateau. The plant’s scientific name honors Thomas Nuttall, a botanist who discovered the plant in 1810.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Nuttallii can grow up to 30 cm tall and can spread up to 60 cm wide. The plant has a woody stem, and its leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-7 leaflets. The flowers of the plant are arranged in clusters, and they are pink or purple in color. The plant blooms from May to August, and its fruit is a legume that contains seeds.
Care Guide
Astragalus Nuttallii requires moderate watering, and the soil should be well-draining. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Fertilization is not necessary for this plant, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Nuttallii is susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Pests that can affect the plant include aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Astragalus Nuttallii can be found in various habitats, including sagebrush, grasslands, and forests. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Nuttallii a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Astragalus Nuttallii has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections and digestive issues.
Q: Can Astragalus Nuttallii be grown indoors?
A: No, Astragalus Nuttallii is not suitable for indoor growing, as it requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Q: Does Astragalus Nuttallii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Astragalus Nuttallii is pollinated by bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I water Astragalus Nuttallii?
A: Astragalus Nuttallii requires moderate watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Related Plants
- Astragalus canadensis
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus missouriensis
- Astragalus utahensis
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Astragalus Nuttallii. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASNU2
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Astragalus Nuttallii. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=242790&isprofile=0&basic=Astragalus%20nuttallii
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Astragalus Nuttallii. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/astragalus-nuttallii/
