Astragalus cimae var. cimae
Cima milkvetch, Cima milk-vetch, Cima milk-vetch
Photo: parent species Astragalus cimae · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Astragalus cimae var. cimae (Cima milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by pods curved >90° with beak perpendicular to axis.
Cima milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in eastern San Bernardino County Mountains in sagebrush habitats at elevations of 1,250 to 1,850 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small white to cream-colored flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with slender stems up to 30 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in arid desert landscapes. Its leaves are composed of multiple small leaflets, typical of milkvetch species, with a soft gray-green appearance. The distinctive fruit is uniquely shaped, with a body 15 to 25 millimeters long that curves dramatically, creating an intriguing perpendicular angle to its flower stem.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 40 sympatric species; pods curved >90° with beak perpendicular to axis
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally among sagebrush
Elevation: 1250-1850 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Astragalus cimae var. cimae blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 cimae var. cimae native to California?
Yes. Astragalus cimae var. cimae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus cimae var. cimae bloom?
Astragalus cimae var. cimae blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Astragalus cimae var. cimae grow?
Astragalus cimae var. cimae occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, at elevations of 1250-1850 m.
What plant family does Astragalus cimae var. cimae belong to?
Astragalus cimae var. cimae is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus cimae var. cimae rare or endangered?
Astragalus cimae var. cimae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.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.