Parry'S Milkvetch

astragalus parryi

Parry's Milkvetch (Astragalus parryi) is a charming perennial herb native to the subalpine and montane regions of western North America. A member of the vast pea family (Fabaceae), this plant is a vital component of its ecosystem, contributing to soil health through its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is well-adapted to harsh, dry, and rocky environments, thriving where many other plants struggle. Its distinctive flowers and inflated seed pods make it a recognizable sight in its high-altitude habitats.

Habitat: Found on dry, rocky slopes, open woodlands, and subalpine meadows, often in gravelly or sandy soils, typically at elevations between 1,800 and 3,600 meters.

Appearance

This upright perennial typically grows between 10 to 50 centimeters tall, featuring stems that may be simple or branched. Its leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they consist of multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem, often giving the plant a somewhat feathery appearance. The most striking features are its pea-like flowers, which bloom in racemes (clusters along a stem) and display a vibrant range of colors from purple to pinkish-purple. Following the flowers, distinctive inflated, often hairy, seed pods develop, which are ovoid to oblong in shape and give the plant its characteristic 'vetch' appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusAstragalus

Parry'S Milkvetch

Interesting facts

Astragalus is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with over 3,000 recognized species worldwide, making Parry's Milkvetch part of an incredibly diverse family.

Parry's Milkvetch plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion on steep, rocky slopes due to its extensive root system.

The common name 'milkvetch' historically stems from an old belief that grazing livestock on these plants would increase their milk production.

The genus name 'Astragalus' comes from a Greek word referring to ankle bones, possibly alluding to the shape of the seeds or seed pods of some species.

Special abilities

Like other legumes, Parry's Milkvetch forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in its root nodules, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for itself and enriching the surrounding soil.

It possesses adaptations that allow it to thrive in arid conditions, including deep root systems and efficient water use, making it resilient in dry, rocky montane environments.

This species is often found in soils with higher alkalinity, demonstrating a natural tolerance and preference for such mineral-rich substrates common in mountainous regions.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-50 cm
Lifespan: 3-15 years
Clutch Size: 500-5000

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic organism, Parry's Milkvetch produces its own energy by converting sunlight into sugars. It absorbs water and essential mineral nutrients from the soil through its root system.

Primary Foods

sunlight
carbon dioxide
water
nitrogen
phosphorus
potassium

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

mutualism

Bumble Bee

Bombus spp.

Pollination for reproduction

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Source of food for herbivores

mutualism

Rhizobium Bacteria

Rhizobium spp.

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in root nodules

eaten by

Elk

Cervus canadensis

Grazing on plant foliage

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Parry'S Milkvetch?

The easiest way to identify Parry'S Milkvetch is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Parry'S Milkvetch?

10-50 cm

How long does Parry'S Milkvetch live?

3-15 years

What does Parry'S Milkvetch eat?

As a photosynthetic organism, Parry's Milkvetch produces its own energy by converting sunlight into sugars. It absorbs water and essential mineral nutrients from the soil through its root system.

Where is Parry'S Milkvetch usually found?

Found on dry, rocky slopes, open woodlands, and subalpine meadows, often in gravelly or sandy soils, typically at elevations between 1,800 and 3,600 meters.

How does Parry'S Milkvetch hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Parry'S Milkvetch lay?

500-5000