Status:
valid
Authors:
A.Gray
Source:
ildis
Year:
1849
Citation Micro:
Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts, n.s., 4(1): 34 (1849)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000168969
Common Names
- Cyaneus Milkvetch
- Blue Milkvetch
- Blue Astragalus
Synonyms
- Tragacantha cyanea (A.Gray) Kuntze [valid]
- Xylophacos cyaneus (A.Gray) Rydb. [valid]
- Astragalus jemensis A.Nelson [valid]
- Astragalus shortianus cyaneus (A.Gray) M.E.Jones [valid]
Description
Astragalus cyaneus (also called 'Blue Milkvetch', among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America. It grows in dry, open, rocky areas and can reach a height of up to 40 cm. It has yellow-green flowers and grey-green leaves.
Uses & Benefits
Astragalus cyaneus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food for livestock. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, colds, and digestive issues.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Astragalus cyaneus has small, bright blue flowers with yellow centers. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are thin and have small, bright green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Astragalus cyaneus is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F. It is best to sow the seeds in the spring and to water regularly. The plant can be divided in the fall or spring.
Where to Find Astragalus cyaneus
Astragalus cyaneus is native to the western United States and can be found in dry, rocky areas. It is typically found in the Great Basin, Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada.
Astragalus cyaneus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Astragalus cyaneus?
Astragalus cyaneus
What is the common name of Astragalus cyaneus?
Blue Milkvetch
What is the habitat of Astragalus cyaneus?
Dry open slopes, sagebrush, and juniper woodlands
Species in the Astragalus genus
Astragalus rumelicus,
Astragalus nevadensis,
Astragalus tymphresteus,
Astragalus alpinus,
Astragalus penduliflorus,
Astragalus anni-novi,
Astragalus austroargentinus,
Astragalus beatleyae,
Astragalus iselyi,
Astragalus moranii,
Astragalus neoburkartianus,
Astragalus neuquenensis,
Astragalus oxyphysopsis,
Astragalus phoenix,
Astragalus sanctorum,
Astragalus schinetorum,
Astragalus amnis-amissi,
Astragalus ampullarius,
Astragalus andersonii,
Astragalus anemophilus,
Astragalus anisus,
Astragalus applegatii,
Astragalus aquilonius,
Astragalus arequipensis,
Astragalus argentinus,
Astragalus argophyllus,
Astragalus aridus,
Astragalus arizonicus,
Astragalus arrectus,
Astragalus arthurii,
Astragalus asclepiadoides,
Astragalus asplundii,
Astragalus asymmetricus,
Astragalus atratus,
Astragalus austiniae,
Astragalus beathii,
Astragalus beckwithii,
Astragalus bellus,
Astragalus bernardinus,
Astragalus berteri,
Astragalus bicristatus,
Astragalus bisulcatus,
Astragalus bodinii,
Astragalus bolanderi,
Astragalus bourgovii,
Astragalus brackenridgei,
Astragalus brandegei,
Astragalus brauntonii,
Astragalus brazoensis,
Astragalus breweri,
Species in the Fabaceae family