Astragalus schmolliae (Schmoll's Milkvetch, Chapin Mesa Milkvetch)
Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Shrublands, woodlands, openings. Spring, summer.
Above and left: Mesa Verde National Park, Chapin Mesa, May 19, 2016 and Petroglyph Point Trail, July 21, 2016.

Astragalus schmolliae is among the rarest plants in Colorado and is a candidate for listing as a federally protected species. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as of September, 2020, "After completing an in-depth species status assessment using the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Chapin Mesa Milkvetch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and designate critical habitat for the species." Astragalus schmolliae is found only on Chapin Mesa in Mesa Verde National Park and the adjacent Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park. It is quite common in Mesa Verde NP and is probably as common on the Ute lands but it has not been surveyed there as thoroughly as it has been in Mesa Verde National Park. Click to read "Population Status Survey of Schmoll’s Milkvetch (Astragalus schmolliae C.L. Porter)".

Astragalus schmolliae grows to about two feet tall with an abundance of ochroleucous (white/yellow) flowers in a loose raceme of 10-28 flowers. Pods develop quickly from lower flowers while upper flowers are still opening and the pods grow quickly to a bit more than an inch long. Many Astragalus are dainty and easy to overlook; Astragalus schmolliae is tall, wide, and often in large patches so it is easy to find and identify. It is also handsome and a fitting tribute to Hazel Schmoll.

Astragalus schmolliae was first collected for science by Alice Eastwood in 1890 but was incorrectly identified as Astragalus coltonii. Astragalus schmolliae was again collected in 1925 by Hazel Schmoll and Mesa Verde National Park Superintendent Nusbaum northeast of Spruce Tree House and in 1945 Cedric Porter named and described this species. Hazel Schmoll was the State Botanist of Colorado for 16 years. (Click to read more about Schmoll).

Semi-desert, foothills. Shrublands, woodlands, openings. Spring, summer.
Mesa Verde National Park, Chapin Mesa, May 19, 2016.

Astragalus schmolliae leaves grow from about 1 1/2 to 4 inches long with numerous hairy leaflets.

Semi-desert, foothills. Shrublands, woodlands, openings. Spring, summer.
Mesa Verde National Park, Chapin Mesa, May 19, 2016.

The stem base is commonly a light red to brown transitioning to green several inches above ground level.

Range maps © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Questionable presence

Range map for Astragalus schmolliae