Silverleaf Milk-Vetch
(Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus )
Fabaceae

Photo Copyright 1983 CNPS

Description: Heavy rooted perennial with several stems. Leaflets elliptic, silvery-silky, 9-21, 1/16 - 5/8 inches long (4-15 mm). Flowers lavender to violet, large, 5/8 - 3/4 in long (17-20 mm ). Pods 3/4 - 1 in (1.5-2.5 cm) long with long appressed hairs.

Identifying Features:

1. Large and obvious flowers.
2. Many elliptic silvery-silky leaflets.
3. Moist alkaline habitat.

Distribution: Lassen and Inyo counties. Also Nevada. Within public lands administered by the Eagle Lake Field Office known only from buffalo berry area near Rush Creek about 1 mile west of Robber's Roost.

Habitat: Moist alkaline meadows or seeps in sagebrush scrub at 4,500 to 7,650 feet (1372 - 2332 m).

Flowering Period: May - July

Similar Plants: Rather unique in this habitat.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 2.2