Astragalus eremiticus

Common Names

Hermit Milk-Vetch

Summary

Hermit milk-vetch is a Fabaceae species with a woody taproot and knotty root crown. Stems are erect and ascending in clumps, 10–50 cm long, with densely to sparsely strigulose hairs. Leaves are 4.5–18 cm long, with 11–23 leaflets often bicolored on the upper surface. Inflorescences are racemes of 7–26 flowers; calyx 5.4–9.5 mm; petals ranging from ochroleucous to purple, with variation in keel, wings, and banner size. Pods are slender to somewhat tumid, 1.5–2.7 cm long with a short beak; seeds olive, smooth or sparsely pitted. Overall, the plant exhibits notable color and size variation across its range, contributing to a complex appearance.

In its native habitats, the species occurs in open valleys, foothills, rolling plains, barren clay hills, and sagebrush or piñon-juniper ecosystems, at 2100–6800 ft. It flowers from spring to early summer, with fruit persisting into April–July. It is highly variable and polymorphic, with several historically described races and likely five or more varieties.

Height

4-20 inches

Bloom Color

Ochroleucous to purple; pale/dull purple to bright pink-purple with white or pallid wing-tips.

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green or cinereous

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer