Astragalus monoensis
Mono milkvetch, Mono Milkvetch
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Astragalus monoensis (Mono milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by rhizomatous growth and buried stems.
Mono milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the eastern Sierra Nevada in Mono and northern Inyo counties, inhabiting open areas with pumice sand and gravel at elevations of 2,100 to 3,400 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces pale pink-tinged flowers that dry to yellow, with petals arranged in dense head-like clusters. Growing with decumbent stems 7 to 20 centimeters long, partially buried underground and adorned with dense, silky, wavy hairs, the plant emerges from a subterranean rhizome. Its leaves feature 9 to 15 crowded, small ovate leaflets measuring 2 to 8 millimeters long, with prominent underground stipule sheaths. The fruit is a papery, widely incurved-lanceolate pod 15 to 20 millimeters long, containing 18 to 20 ovules and covered in short, wavy hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 36 sympatric species; distinguished by rhizomatous growth and buried stems
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open areas, pumice sand, gravel
Elevation: 2100-3400 m
California counties: Mono
Bloom period
Astragalus monoensis 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 monoensis native to California?
Yes. Astragalus monoensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus monoensis bloom?
Astragalus monoensis blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Astragalus monoensis grow?
Astragalus monoensis occurs in Mono, at elevations of 2100-3400 m.
What plant family does Astragalus monoensis belong to?
Astragalus monoensis is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus monoensis rare or endangered?
Astragalus monoensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Astragalus nevinii — San clemente island milkvetch
- Astragalus newberryi var. newberryi — Newberry's milkvetch
- Astragalus nutans — Providence mountains milkvetch
- Astragalus nuttallianus — Small-flowered milkvetch
- Astragalus nuttallianus var. austrinus — Smallflowered milkvetch
- Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis — Cedros 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.