Astragalus sp.
Locoweed, milkvetch, Milkvetch
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Astragalus sp. (Locoweed) is a non-native California perennial in the Fabaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Astragalus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Astragalus sp. belong to?
Astragalus sp. is in the Fabaceae family, genus Astragalus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.