Astragalus kentrophyta
Kentrophyta milkvetch
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Astragalus kentrophyta (Kentrophyta milkvetch) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by Spiny matted cushion; spine-tipped leaflets/stipules; tiny 1-3-flowered infl.
Kentrophyta milkvetch is a California native perennial herb found in alpine and subalpine habitats at high elevations. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white to pink-purple flowers with banner petals recurved approximately 45 degrees. Growing in dense tufted or matted clusters less than 3 decimeters tall, it features distinctively spiny stems with strigose hairs. Its leaves are compound with 3 to 9 narrow linear or lance-shaped leaflets, each 1 to 17 millimeters long, typically with spine-tipped edges. The compact plant produces small compressed fruits 4 to 9 millimeters long with prominent suture lines.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Spiny matted cushion; spine-tipped leaflets/stipules; tiny 1-3-flowered infl
Habitat and range
California counties: Inyo, Lassen, Mono, Tuolumne
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 kentrophyta native to California?
Yes. Astragalus kentrophyta is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Astragalus kentrophyta grow?
Astragalus kentrophyta occurs in Inyo, Lassen, Mono, Tuolumne.
What plant family does Astragalus kentrophyta belong to?
Astragalus kentrophyta is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Astragalus lemmonii — Lemmon's milkvetch
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.