|
Astragalus
mollissimus
(Locoweed) Fabaceae (Pea Family) Semi-desert. Woodlands, shrublands,
openings. Spring. Astragalus mollissimus is the most widespread and common Astragalus in the Four Corners area. It is characterized by hairy flower stems; numerous, hairy, small, light green leaflets, usually arching; long and narrow pink-purple flowers that have a pronounced backward flare at the upper tip of the rather small banner; and by short, plump, very hairy seeds. Astragalus mollissimus blooms early in the spring and where you find one plant you will usually find many. More Astragalus mollissimus pictures. "Mollissimus" is Latin for "very soft". "Locoweed" refers to the plant’s effect on grazing animals, especially sheep. Many Astragalus are called "Locoweed". (See top of page.) Edwin James collected the first specimen of this plant along the Platte River in 1820 and John Torrey described and named it. |
|
|
Astragalus
mollissimus
(Locoweed) Fabaceae (Pea Family) Semi-desert, canyons. Woodlands, shrublands,
openings. Spring. The abundant moisture over the 2004-2005 winter produced enormous specimens of many plants. This Astragalus mollissimus is about fifteen inches tall and twenty four inches in diameter. |
|
|
Astragalus
mollissimus
(Locoweed) Fabaceae (Pea Family) Semi-desert, canyons. Woodlands, shrublands,
openings. Spring. |
|
|
Astragalus
mollissimus
(Locoweed) Fabaceae (Pea Family) Semi-desert, canyons. Woodlands, shrublands,
openings. Spring. Astragalus mollissimus seeds ripen slowly and are quite hairy. |
|
|
Astragalus
mollissimus
(Locoweed) Fabaceae (Pea Family) Semi-desert, canyons. Woodlands, shrublands,
openings. Spring. On sandy soils, brown, dried Astragalus mollissimus seed pods are scattered around dead stems. |
