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Description
Astragalus Trichopodus Var. Lonchus, commonly known as Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to the United States and is commonly found in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions. The Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch has a unique appearance and is mainly known for its medicinal uses.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch has a unique and interesting appearance. The plant grows up to 24 inches tall and has a long taproot. The leaves of this plant are compound, with 7 to 15 leaflets that are oval to elliptical in shape. The flowers of the Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch are white to pinkish-purple in color and grow in clusters of 10 to 30. The fruit of this plant is a pod that is 1 to 2 inches long and contains seeds.
Care Guide
Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions. Here are some care tips to keep your Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch healthy and thriving:Water: This plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.Fertilization: Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch does not require fertilization.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil. A sandy or loamy soil mix is ideal.Sunlight: Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch grows best in full sun or partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant.
Habitat
Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch is native to the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions of the United States. This plant is commonly found in dry, rocky areas and can grow in a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments.Q: Can Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch grow in containers?
A: Yes, Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives adequate sunlight.Q: How often should I water my Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Depending on the climate and soil conditions, this could be once a week or once every two weeks.Q: Does Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Long-Tongue Milk-Vetch:- Astragalus lentiginosus- Astragalus canadensis- Astragalus missouriensis- Astragalus mollissimus
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus (A. Gray) Barneby. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ASTRL- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415212
