Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii
Douglas's milkvetch
(c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Millie Basden · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii (Douglas's milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by calyx lobe characteristics distinguish varieties.
Douglas's milkvetch is a California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi, southern Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, central Coast, southern Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Mojave Desert in open areas at elevations up to 2,500 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces pale flowers in clusters with delicate, pointed calyx lobes. Growing with prostrate to ascending stems 20 to 70 centimeters long, it spreads in low, sprawling formations. Its complex leaves feature 11 to 25 leaflets, creating a dense, intricate foliage pattern. The distinctive fruit pods reach 25 to 60 millimeters in length, providing a notable visual characteristic of this adaptable milkvetch.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 64 sympatric species; calyx lobe characteristics distinguish varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open areas
Elevation: < 2500 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Ventura, Los Angeles, Tulare, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Kern, Yolo, Merced, San Luis Obispo, San Benito, Monterey, Madera, San Mateo
Bloom period
Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii blooms Apr-Jul.
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 douglasii var. douglasii native to California?
Yes. Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii bloom?
Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii grow?
Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii occurs in San Bernardino, Ventura, Los Angeles, Tulare, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Kern and other counties, at elevations of < 2500 m.
What plant family does Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii belong to?
Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
What habitat does Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii grow in?
Astragalus douglasii var. douglasii grows in Open areas.
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.