Astragalus nuttallii (Torr. & A.Gray) J.T.Howell

Species Common Name

Astragalus nuttallii is a milkvetch species commonly known as Nuttall's milkvetch.

Native Range

It is native to California and Baja California, and grows in sandy soils of coastal habitat.

Growth Form

This perennial herb grows into thick, tangled clumps of stems ranging from hairy to hairless, which can reach up to one meter in length.

Leaf Structure

It produces abundant leaves that grow up to 17 centimeters long, each made up of many oval-shaped leaflets.

Inflorescence Characteristics

The inflorescence is a large, dense cluster holding up to 125 flowers, each measuring around 1 to 1.5 centimeters in length.

Flower Coloration

The flowers are dull cream-colored, and sometimes carry a purple tint.

Fruit Traits

The fruit is an inflated legume pod that reaches up to 6 centimeters long; it dries to a papery texture and holds many seeds inside its single chamber.

Endemic Variety

One variety of this species, the ocean bluff milkvetch (variety nuttallii), is endemic to the Central Coast of California.