# Laxmann's Milkvetch (*Astragalus laxmannii*)

Laxmann's Milkvetch is a special plant with lovely flowers that can be pink or purple. It grows in the wild and is known for being tough and able to survive in different places.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Laxmann's Milkvetch](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/2017.06.05_11.58.34_IMG_0513_-_Flickr_-_andrey_zharkikh.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017.06.05_11.58.34_IMG_0513_-_Flickr_-_andrey_zharkikh.jpg)

## Appearance

The Laxmann's Milkvetch has densely clustered, pea-like flowers, typically bright violet to purple, rising above silvery-green, hairy leaves. Its compact, cushion-like form makes it stand out in rocky terrain.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Fabales
- **Family:** Fabaceae
- **Genus:** Astragalus

## Interesting facts

- Its scientific name honours a Finnish explorer and scientist, Erik Laxmann!
- Milkvetch species are found on every continent except Antarctica!
- Some types of milkvetch plants are called "locoweeds" for making animals dizzy!
- This plant creates seeds inside pods, just like peas in a shell!

## Special abilities

- **Desert Survivor:** This plant has furry leaves that trap moisture, helping it survive in dry, harsh environments.
- **Tough Roots:** Laxmann's Milkvetch possesses deep roots, allowing it to find water and nutrients even in rocky ground.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-30 cm
- **Spread:** 15-40 cm
- **Flower Size:** 1-2 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Late spring to summer
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** Buff-tailed Bumblebee (*Bombus terrestris*) — Its flowers provide nectar and pollen.
- **Symbiotic with:** Rhizobium Bacteria (*Rhizobium leguminosarum*) — Fixes nitrogen in roots for plant growth.
- **Eats:** [Meadow Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/meadow-grasshopper) (*Chorthippus parallelus*) — Herbivores may graze on its leaves and stems.

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Nitrogen Fixing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nitrogen-fixing): Describes organisms capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds usable by plants.
- [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch wild plants unless a grown-up says it's okay.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Laxmann's Milkvetch?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Laxmann's Milkvetch?

10-30 cm

### How wide does Laxmann's Milkvetch spread?

15-40 cm

### How big are the flowers on Laxmann's Milkvetch?

1-2 cm

### When does Laxmann's Milkvetch bloom?

Late spring to summer

### Is Laxmann's Milkvetch edible?

No

### Is Laxmann's Milkvetch toxic?

None

### What is Laxmann's Milkvetch's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Where to spot

- [Dinosaur Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dinosaur-park) — South Dakota, US · Botanical Garden
- [Scotts Bluff National Monument](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/scotts-bluff-national-monument) — Nebraska, US · National Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Laxmann's Milkvetch: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/laxmanns-milkvetch)