Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus
Inflated cima milkvetch, Inflated Cima Milkvetch, inflated Cima milk-vetch, inflated 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.3
Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus (Inflated cima milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by distinctive bladdery fruit with curved beak.
Inflated cima milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the eastern slope of the Inyo Mountains in calcareous substrates with pinyon pine and sagebrush at elevations of 1,500 to 2,100 meters. Flowering in May, this plant produces flowers characteristic of its milkvetch family. Growing with slender stems emerging from a woody base, it develops distinctive inflated, papery fruits that mature to a bladdery texture about 20 to 37 millimeters long. Its leaves, typical of milkvetches, are compound with multiple leaflets arranged along the stem. The fruit is notably unique, with a stalk-like base 5 to 12 millimeters long and a body that can curve up to 90 degrees, creating an intriguing structural profile.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive bladdery fruit with curved beak
Habitat and range
Habitat: Calcareous substrates, with pinyon pine, generally sagebrush
Elevation: 1500-2100 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus blooms May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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. sufflatus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus bloom?
Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus blooms May.
Where in California does Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus grow?
Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 1500-2100 m.
What plant family does Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus belong to?
Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus rare or endangered?
Astragalus cimae var. sufflatus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
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.