Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus
Nuttall's milkvetch
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus (Nuttall's milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by growth form and seed count.
Nuttall's milkvetch is a California native perennial found in the central and northern California Coast Ranges in sandy coastal bluffs at elevations below 150 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white to cream-colored flowers in small clusters. Growing with ascending or prostrate stems that spread across coastal terrain, it forms low-growing mats in sandy environments. Its pinnately compound leaves have multiple small leaflets arranged along delicate green stems. The fruit is glabrous or sparsely hairy, containing 14 to 21 ovules.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; key features are growth form and seed count
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soil, bluffs
Elevation: < 150 m
California counties: Mendocino, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Humboldt, Marin, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus blooms Apr-Jul(all year).
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. virgatus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus bloom?
Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus blooms Apr-Jul(all year).
Where in California does Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus grow?
Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus occurs in Mendocino, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Humboldt, Marin, Santa Barbara, at elevations of < 150 m.
What plant family does Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus belong to?
Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
What habitat does Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus grow in?
Astragalus nuttallii var. virgatus grows in Sandy soil, bluffs.
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.