Astragalus Palmeri

Description

Astragalus Palmeri is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as Palmer’s Milkvetch and is native to the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It is a small plant that grows up to 10 cm tall and has thin, hairy stems. It is characterized by its small leaves, which are divided into several leaflets, and its small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Astragalus Palmeri is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 10 cm tall. It has thin, hairy stems that branch out from the base. Its leaves are small and divided into several leaflets. The leaflets are narrow, elongated, and have a pointed tip. The flowers of the plant are small and pinkish-purple in color. They bloom in late spring and early summer and are arranged in clusters at the tips of the stems. The plant produces small, elongated seedpods that contain several seeds.

Care Guide

Astragalus Palmeri is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal attention. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but does best in sandy or rocky soils. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C).

Water

Astragalus Palmeri is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it is important to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Fertilization

Astragalus Palmeri does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.

Soil

Astragalus Palmeri prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but does best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).

Sunlight

Astragalus Palmeri prefers partial to full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but does not do well in dense shade.

Hardiness Zones

Astragalus Palmeri is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C).

Common Pests & Diseases

Astragalus Palmeri is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly-drained. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant.

Habitat

Astragalus Palmeri is native to the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, desert washes, and open woodlands. It is often found growing alongside other desert-adapted plants such as cacti, yuccas, and agaves.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Astragalus Palmeri a drought-tolerant plant?

A: Yes, Astragalus Palmeri is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with minimal watering.

Q: What is the hardiness zone of Astragalus Palmeri?

A: Astragalus Palmeri is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.

Q: What kind of soil does Astragalus Palmeri prefer?

A: Astragalus Palmeri prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).

Q: Does Astragalus Palmeri require fertilization?

A: No, Astragalus Palmeri does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.

Related Plants

• Astragalus lentiginosus
• Astragalus tener
• Astragalus douglasii
• Astragalus cicer

References

• USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Astragalus palmeri. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/aspal
• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Palmer’s Milkvetch. Retrieved from https://extension.arizona.edu/palmer-s-milkvetch
• Arizona State University School of Life Sciences. (n.d.). Astragalus palmeri. Retrieved from https://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/cpcp/Profile/Astragalus_palmeri.pdf