Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus
Spiny milkvetch, spiny milk-vetch, spiny milk-vetch
Photo: parent species Astragalus kentrophyta · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus (Spiny milkvetch) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by distinctive silvery matted habit and flower color.
Spiny milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the eastern Sierra Nevada, specifically Mono County, in sagebrush and juniper stands on valley knolls and foothills with light clay or volcanic ash soils at elevations of 1,500 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white flowers with purple-tinged keel, the banner 5 to 6.5 millimeters long. Growing as a prostrate, densely matted plant with silvery branched hairs, it spreads low to the ground with distinctive intertwined stems. Its leaves feature 5 (or 3 on lower leaves) linear elliptic leaflets 3 to 9 millimeters long, each spine-tipped and creating a delicate, intricate texture. The compact fruit is 5 to 7.5 millimeters long, containing 2 to 3 ovules.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 36 sympatric species; distinctive silvery matted habit and flower color
Habitat and range
Habitat: Valley knolls, foothills, light clay or volcanic ash soils, in sagebrush/juniper stands
Elevation: 1500-2200 m
California counties: Mono
Outside California: northeastern and central Nevada
Bloom period
Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 kentrophyta var. ungulatus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus bloom?
Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus grow?
Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus occurs in Mono, at elevations of 1500-2200 m.
What plant family does Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus belong to?
Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus rare or endangered?
Astragalus kentrophyta var. ungulatus carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.