Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus
Jacumba milkvetch, Jacumba milk-vetch, Jacumba milk-vetch
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus (Jacumba milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by stiffly erect growth and largest fruits diagnostic.
Jacumba milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the eastern Peninsular Ranges in rocky areas of open oak woodland at elevations of 850 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces pale flowers in clusters with delicate, triangular calyx lobes. Growing with stiffly erect stems 40 to 100 centimeters tall, it develops a robust, upright structure. Its compound leaves are distinctively complex, featuring 13 to 19 leaflets that create a dense, intricate foliage pattern. The fruit is an elongated pod measuring 35 to 60 millimeters long, providing a distinctive feature of this remarkable milkvetch variety.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; stiffly erect growth and largest fruits diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky areas in open oak woodland
Elevation: 850-1200 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus 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 douglasii var. perstrictus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus bloom?
Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus belong to?
Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus rare or endangered?
Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2S3.
What habitat does Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus grow in?
Astragalus douglasii var. perstrictus grows in Rocky areas in open oak woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.