Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii
Ocean bluff milkvetch, Ocean Bluff Milkvetch
(c) danielle peña, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii (Ocean bluff milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by coastal habitat and growth form.
Ocean bluff milkvetch is a native perennial found in the central California Coast (CCo) bioregion on rock, sandy areas, and coastal bluffs at elevations below 250 meters. Flowering throughout the year, this plant produces white to pale purple flowers in small clusters. Growing with prostrate or decumbent stems that may ascend when sheltered, it spreads low across rocky coastal terrain. Its leaves are composed of multiple small leaflets, typical of milkvetch species, with a low-growing habit that helps it survive in exposed coastal environments. The plant's distinctive fruits are slightly hairy, particularly when young, helping to protect its developing seeds in the harsh coastal landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; key features are coastal habitat and growth form
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rock, sandy areas, bluffs
Elevation: < 250 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Lake, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Mendocino
Bloom period
Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii blooms All year.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 nuttallii var. nuttallii native to California?
Yes. Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii bloom?
Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii blooms All year.
Where in California does Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii grow?
Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii occurs in Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Lake, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and other counties, at elevations of < 250 m.
What plant family does Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii belong to?
Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii rare or endangered?
Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
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.