Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus
Silver-leaved milkvetch, silver-leaved milk-vetch, silver-leaved milk-vetch
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus (Silver-leaved milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by silvery leaves and few large pink-purple flowers distinctive.
Silver-leaved milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in eastern Lassen County and northwestern Inyo County in heavy alkaline or saline soil at elevations of 1,280 to 1,350 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces bright pink-purple flowers with a banner 22 to 24 millimeters long. Growing in dense tufts with prostrate stems less than 15 centimeters tall, it forms a matted ground-hugging habit. Its leaves are 2 to 15 centimeters long, featuring 9 to 21 silvery-gray leaflets that are elliptic or ovate with acute or obtuse tips. The fruit is 15 to 25 millimeters long, widely lanceolate, and densely covered in loose strigose hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 52 sympatric species; silvery leaves and few large pink-purple flowers distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Heavy alkaline or saline soil
Elevation: 1280-1350 m
California counties: Lassen, Mono, Inyo
Outside California: to Montana, Wyoming, Utah
Bloom period
Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus blooms Apr-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Vicia: Astragalus has racemes of flowers; vetches (Vicia) have tendrils at leaf tips and climbing or sprawling habit.; vs Oxytropis: Astragalus keel tip is rounded to slightly pointed; Oxytropis keel has a pronounced pointed beak.; vs Cleomella: Astragalus has pea-shaped flowers; Cleomella has 4-petaled cruciform flowers with long stamens.; vs Lupinus: Astragalus has pinnate compound leaves; lupines have palmate leaves (leaflets radiating from one point).; vs Dalea: Astragalus has typical pea flowers; Dalea has tiny flowers with petals attached to the stamen tube.
Frequently asked questions
Is Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus bloom?
Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus blooms Apr-Aug.
Where in California does Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus grow?
Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus occurs in Lassen, Mono, Inyo, at elevations of 1280-1350 m.
What plant family does Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus belong to?
Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus rare or endangered?
Astragalus argophyllus var. argophyllus carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.