Astragalus lentiformis
Lens-pod milkvetch
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Astragalus lentiformis (Lens-pod milkvetch) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by unique yellow flowers and lens-shaped pods.
Lens-pod milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in the southeastern Plumas County, inhabiting dry sandy soil in sagebrush and pine woodland at elevations of 1,450 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pale yellow flowers that darken as they dry, with petals arranged in small clusters of 5 to 10 blooms. Growing with spreading, slender stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall and covered in fine, grayish hairs, the plant develops an open, delicate structure. Its leaves feature 7 to 15 narrow, slightly obovate leaflets measuring 2 to 10 millimeters long, with distinctive stipule sheaths at the base. The distinctive fruit is lens-shaped, curved downward, and measures 5 to 9 millimeters long with fine, wavy hairs covering its papery surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 30 sympatric species; unique yellow flowers and lens-shaped pods
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry sandy soil, sagebrush or pine
Elevation: 1450-1800 m
California counties: Plumas, Sierra
Bloom period
Astragalus lentiformis blooms May-Jul.
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 lentiformis native to California?
Yes. Astragalus lentiformis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus lentiformis bloom?
Astragalus lentiformis blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Astragalus lentiformis grow?
Astragalus lentiformis occurs in Plumas, Sierra, at elevations of 1450-1800 m.
What plant family does Astragalus lentiformis belong to?
Astragalus lentiformis is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus lentiformis rare or endangered?
Astragalus lentiformis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Astragalus lentiginosus — Freckled milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. albifolius — Northern loco milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. antonius — San antonio milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. borreganus — Borrego milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. chartaceus — Broadleaf milkvetch
- Astragalus lentiginosus var. coachellae — Coachella valley 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.