Astragalus pachypus Greene

Nomenclature and Common Name

Astragalus pachypus Greene is a milkvetch species that goes by the common name thickpod milkvetch.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is endemic to California, and it can be found in many types of open habitat throughout the southern half of the state.

Growth Form and Stem Characteristics

It is a robust perennial herb that grows in stands of tough, wiry stems that reach up to 80 centimeters in height.

Leaf Structure

Its leaves grow up to around 16 centimeters long and are composed of many narrow leaflets.

Flower Characteristics

The plant produces flowers in inflorescences that hold between 4 and 28 cream-colored blooms.

Fruit Characteristics

Its fruit is a sharp-beaked legume pod that grows up to about 3 centimeters long; when it dries, it develops a leathery, mostly hairless texture.

Intraspecific Varieties

There are two varieties of Astragalus pachypus.

Rare Variety Distribution

The rarer variety, var. jaegeri (commonly called Jaeger's bush milkvetch), is found primarily in western Riverside County, California.