Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi
Shockley's milkvetch, Shockley's Milkvetch
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi (Shockley's milkvetch) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by large purple flowers, narrow leaflets, and 2-chambered fruits diagnostic.
Shockley's milkvetch is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the northern Desert Mountains of Inyo County in open, dry, alkaline sagebrush and pinyon habitats at elevations of 1,150 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces purple flowers with pale wing tips, the banner petal curved back at 35 to 40 degrees, creating a distinctive arc. Growing as a bushy-clumped herb with stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall and often appearing grayish, it develops a compact, spreading form. Its leaves are 5 to 15 centimeters long with 5 to 11 narrow leaflets spaced along the stem, each leaflet 5 to 30 millimeters long and more densely hairy on the upper surface. The plant produces erect, plump-oblong fruits 17 to 31 millimeters long with a stout, sharp beak.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 63 sympatric species; large purple flowers, narrow leaflets, and 2-chambered fruits diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, dry, alkaline gravelly clay, generally sagebrush, pinyon
Elevation: 1150-2300 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 serenoi var. shockleyi native to California?
Yes. Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi bloom?
Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi grow?
Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi occurs in Inyo, Mono, at elevations of 1150-2300 m.
What plant family does Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi belong to?
Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Is Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi rare or endangered?
Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S3.
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.