Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis
Cedros milkvetch
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis (Cedros milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by variable leaflet tips and hair characteristics.
Cedros milkvetch is a California native annual found in the southern desert region on rocky flats and washes at elevations below 1,400 meters. Flowering from December to April, this plant produces delicate white to pale pink flowers with distinctive calyx tubes. Growing with slender stems to 30 centimeters tall, it spreads in low, open formations across desert landscapes. Its compound leaves feature lower leaflets with notched tips and upper leaflets with sharp points, creating a subtle textural variation. The small flowers have short ascending hairs on narrow calyx tubes, giving the plant a fine, intricate appearance characteristic of desert milkvetches.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; key features are variable leaflet tips and hair characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky flats, washes
Elevation: < 1400 m
California counties: Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego
Outside California: Arizona, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis blooms Dec-Apr.
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 nuttallianus var. cedrosensis native to California?
Yes. Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis bloom?
Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis blooms Dec-Apr.
Where in California does Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis grow?
Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis occurs in Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, at elevations of < 1400 m.
What plant family does Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis belong to?
Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
What habitat does Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis grow in?
Astragalus nuttallianus var. cedrosensis grows in Rocky flats, washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.