Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii
Suksdorf's milkvetch
(c) Justin Felder, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii (Suksdorf's milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by geographic restriction to s CaRH helps distinguish from other pulsiferae varieties.
Suksdorf's milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern California Ranges in loose, often rocky soil with pine and sagebrush habitats at elevations of 1,300 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to purple flowers in clusters characteristic of milkvetches. Growing with ascending stems 20 to 40 centimeters tall, it forms compact clumps in rocky mountain terrain. Its pinnately compound leaves have 11 to 19 narrow, elongated leaflets, each approximately 10 to 15 millimeters long, creating a delicate, feathery appearance. The plant extends into southern Washington, reflecting its adaptability to rocky mountain ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; geographic restriction to s CaRH helps distinguish from other pulsiferae varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Loose, often rocky soil, often with pines, sagebrush
Elevation: 1300-1600 m
California counties: Plumas, Shasta, Lassen
Outside California: southern Washington
Bloom period
Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii blooms May-Jul.
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 pulsiferae var. suksdorfii native to California?
Yes. Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii bloom?
Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii grow?
Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii occurs in Plumas, Shasta, Lassen, at elevations of 1300-1600 m.
What plant family does Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii belong to?
Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii rare or endangered?
Astragalus pulsiferae var. suksdorfii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
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.