Astragalus coccineus
Scarlet milkvetch, Scarlet Milkvetch
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astragalus coccineus (Scarlet milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by distinctive scarlet flowers make it unmistakable.
Scarlet milkvetch is a California native perennial found in the southern Mojave Desert, Peninsular Ranges, Sierra Nevada eastern edges, and desert mountains in gravelly sagebrush scrub and pinyon woodlands at elevations of 650 to 2,450 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces striking scarlet flowers with banner petals 35 to 41 millimeters long that recurve at a 20 to 30 degree angle. Growing in dense tufted clusters with nearly stemless form, it features compact stems covered in dense white hairs. Its compound leaves are 3 to 10 centimeters long, composed of 7 to 15 oblanceolate leaflets 3 to 14 millimeters long with slightly acute tips. The fruit is a plump, white or tawny hairy pod 25 to 40 millimeters long, often slightly curved and compressed.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 85 sympatric species; distinctive scarlet flowers make it unmistakable
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravelly places, generally sagebrush scrub, pinyon woodland
Elevation: 650-2450 m
California counties: San Bernardino, San Diego, Inyo, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial, Mono
Outside California: southern Nevada, western Arizona, northern Baja California
Bloom period
Astragalus coccineus blooms Mar-Jun.
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 coccineus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus coccineus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus coccineus bloom?
Astragalus coccineus blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Astragalus coccineus grow?
Astragalus coccineus occurs in San Bernardino, San Diego, Inyo, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, Imperial, Mono, at elevations of 650-2450 m.
What plant family does Astragalus coccineus belong to?
Astragalus coccineus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
What habitat does Astragalus coccineus grow in?
Astragalus coccineus grows in Gravelly places, generally sagebrush scrub, pinyon woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.