Astragalus johannis-howellii
Long valley milkvetch, Long Valley Milkvetch, Long Valley milk-vetch, Long Valley milk-vetch
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Astragalus johannis-howellii (Long valley milkvetch) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by distinctive small size and flower characteristics separate from larger species.
Long valley milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southwestern Mono County in the Southeastern Desert bioregion, inhabiting sandy areas and sagebrush scrub at elevations of 2,050 to 2,550 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white flowers with a banner petal that curves back at a 90-degree angle, creating a distinctive reflexed appearance. Growing with slender, prostrate or decumbent stems 3 to 20 centimeters long and widely branched, it forms an open, delicate structure. Its compound leaves feature 13 to 23 narrow, obovate leaflets each 2 to 6 millimeters long, with glabrous upper surfaces. The fruit is a half-ellipsoid, three-sided pod 7 to 11 millimeters long, hanging pendently with a thin, papery texture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 36 sympatric species; distinctive small size and flower characteristics separate from larger species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy areas, sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 2050-2550 m
California counties: Mono
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Astragalus johannis-howellii blooms Jun-Aug.
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 johannis-howellii native to California?
Yes. Astragalus johannis-howellii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus johannis-howellii bloom?
Astragalus johannis-howellii blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Astragalus johannis-howellii grow?
Astragalus johannis-howellii occurs in Mono, at elevations of 2050-2550 m.
What plant family does Astragalus johannis-howellii belong to?
Astragalus johannis-howellii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus johannis-howellii rare or endangered?
Astragalus johannis-howellii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Astragalus kentrophyta — Kentrophyta milkvetch
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. danaus — Sweetwater mountains milkvetch
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. elatus — Spiny-leaved milkvetch
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. tegetarius — Mat milkvetch
- Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus — Spiny milkvetch
- Astragalus layneae — Layne milkvetch
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.