Astragalus layneae
Layne milkvetch, Layne Milkvetch
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astragalus layneae (Layne milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by rhizomatous habit and large flowers/pods distinctive.
Layne milkvetch is a California native perennial found in the western Mojave Desert and Inyo County in sandy flats and washes at elevations of 25 to 1,750 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces white and purple flowers with delicate petals, the white flowers accented by purple wing tips and a lilac-tinted banner that curves nearly 50 degrees. Growing with erect stems 2.5 to 16 centimeters tall, it emerges from a deep rhizome and has distinctive grayish coarse hairs covering its structure. Its compound leaves stretch 4 to 16 centimeters long, featuring 11 to 23 ovate to rounded leaflets measuring 5 to 23 millimeters. The fruit is a distinctive leathery pod 20 to 65 millimeters long, curved in a quarter to full circle with spreading, wavy hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 40 sympatric species; rhizomatous habit and large flowers/pods distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy flats, washes
Elevation: 25-1750 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Mono, Riverside, San Joaquin, Los Angeles
Outside California: southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona
Bloom period
Astragalus layneae blooms Mar-Jun.
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 layneae native to California?
Yes. Astragalus layneae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus layneae bloom?
Astragalus layneae blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Astragalus layneae grow?
Astragalus layneae occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Mono, Riverside, San Joaquin, Los Angeles, at elevations of 25-1750 m.
What plant family does Astragalus layneae belong to?
Astragalus layneae is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
What habitat does Astragalus layneae grow in?
Astragalus layneae grows in Sandy flats, washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Astragalus lemmonii — Lemmon's milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiformis — Lens-pod milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus — Freckled milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. albifolius — Northern loco milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. antonius — San antonio milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. borreganus — Borrego 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.