Astragalus douglasii var. parishii
Parish's milkvetch
(c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Millie Basden · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astragalus douglasii var. parishii (Parish's milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by calyx hair pattern diagnostic.
Parish's milkvetch is a California native perennial found in southern California, including the San Bernardino Mountains and Peninsular Ranges, in open areas at elevations of 100 to 2,350 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces small white to cream-colored flowers with delicate, triangular calyx lobes. Growing prostrate to somewhat ascending, with stems 20 to 60 centimeters long, it forms spreading mats across its rocky habitat. Its compound leaves are distinctively composed of 15 to 25 leaflets, creating a soft, feathery appearance. The plant develops elongated fruits measuring 25 to 50 millimeters long, adding to its distinctive character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 28 sympatric species; calyx hair pattern diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open areas
Elevation: 100-2350 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles, Madera, Kern, San Benito, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Astragalus douglasii var. parishii blooms May-Aug.
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. parishii native to California?
Yes. Astragalus douglasii var. parishii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus douglasii var. parishii bloom?
Astragalus douglasii var. parishii blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Astragalus douglasii var. parishii grow?
Astragalus douglasii var. parishii occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles, Madera, Kern, San Benito, Santa Barbara, at elevations of 100-2350 m.
What plant family does Astragalus douglasii var. parishii belong to?
Astragalus douglasii var. parishii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
What habitat does Astragalus douglasii var. parishii grow in?
Astragalus douglasii var. parishii 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.