Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus
Coastal marsh milkvetch, Coastal Marsh Milkvetch
Photo: parent species Astragalus pycnostachyus · (c) joergmlpts, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus (Coastal marsh milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by coastal marsh habitat and grayish vs white-woolly hairs separate from var. lanosissimus.
Coastal marsh milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges and northern central Coast Ranges in coastal marshes, seeps, and adjacent sandy areas at elevations below 150 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces white to pale lavender flowers in dense, compact clusters. Growing with spreading to ascending stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms a canescent (grayish-white woolly) habit. Its pinnately compound leaves have numerous small leaflets, typically 5 to 15 millimeters long, covered in fine white hairs. The fruit is smooth and contains 2 to 5 ovules, characteristic of this distinctive marsh-dwelling milkvetch.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; coastal marsh habitat and grayish vs white-woolly hairs separate from var. lanosissimus
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal marshes, seeps, adjacent sand
Elevation: < 150 m
California counties: Humboldt, San Mateo, Marin, San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus blooms Jun-Sep.
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 pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus native to California?
Yes. Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus bloom?
Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus grow?
Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus occurs in Humboldt, San Mateo, Marin, San Luis Obispo, at elevations of < 150 m.
What plant family does Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus belong to?
Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus rare or endangered?
Astragalus pycnostachyus var. pycnostachyus 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.