Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.

Scientific Name

Its scientific name is Astragalus lentiginosus Douglas ex Hook.

Growth Form

Astragalus lentiginosus is a perennial herb, and occasionally grows as an annual.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves reach up to 15 centimetres (5.9 inches) long, divided into many pairs of small leaflets.

Plant Habit and Texture

The plant grows in a form ranging from prostrate to erect, and its texture ranges from quite woolly to nearly hairless.

Inflorescence and Flower Traits

The inflorescence holds up to 50 pea-like flowers that may be purplish, whitish, or a mix of both colors.

Legume Pod Features

Most varieties share one unifying characteristic: an inflated, beaked legume pod with a groove along its side.

Pod Maturation and Seed Dispersal

When the pod dries, it develops a papery texture, and splits open starting at the beak to release its seeds.

Etymology of Species Epithet

The species epithet lentiginosus refers to the red mottling commonly found on the pods, which resembles freckles.

Bloom Period

The plant's bloom period falls between the months of March, April, and May.

Species Distribution Range

As a whole species, Astragalus lentiginosus is distributed throughout the Great Basin of North America, ranging west from the Rocky Mountains to the California Coast Ranges, south into Mexico, and north to British Columbia.

Variety Habitat General

Its varieties are largely limited to marginal habitats such as disturbed sites in the arid regions of the continent.

Edaphic Specialist Varieties

This group also contains a number of edaphic specialists that grow at desert seeps, which frequently have high levels of calcium carbonate.

Commercial Cultivation Status

Astragalus lentiginosus is currently not cultivated commercially.

Propagation Method

Propagation from seed requires scarification of the seed coat to allow the embryo to absorb water.

Zuni Traditional Use of Pods

The Zuni people eat the pods of the diphysus variety fresh, boiled, or salted.

Pod Storage for Winter Use

These pods are also dried and stored for use during the winter.