Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus
Bush milkvetch, Bush Milkvetch
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus (Bush milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by gray scale-like hairs and rigid pods.
Bush milkvetch is a California native perennial found in the Tehachapi Mountains, southern San Joaquin Valley, southern Coastal Range Interior, western Transverse Ranges, and western edge of the Desert at elevations of 500 to 1,900 meters in open areas and scrub, often growing on gravelly clay, shale, and sandstone. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces small white to pale purple flowers in compact clusters. Growing with spreading to ascending stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, it forms a low, somewhat woody base. Its compound leaves have 11 to 21 leaflets, each small and densely arranged along the stem, giving the plant a delicate, feathery appearance. In rocky, well-drained habitats, bush milkvetch thrives in challenging landscapes where few other plants can establish themselves.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 28 sympatric species; key features are gray scale-like hairs and rigid pods
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open areas or scrub, often on gravelly clay, shale, sandstone
Elevation: 500-1900 m
California counties: Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, San Diego
Bloom period
Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus blooms Mar-Jul.
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 pachypus var. pachypus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus bloom?
Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus blooms Mar-Jul.
Where in California does Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus grow?
Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus occurs in Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, San Diego, at elevations of 500-1900 m.
What plant family does Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus belong to?
Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
What habitat does Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus grow in?
Astragalus pachypus var. pachypus grows in Open areas or scrub, often on gravelly clay, shale, sandstone.
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.