Barr's Milkvetch

Astragalus barrii

Native to:
United States
Barr's Milkvetch

John Proctor, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Astragalus
Species:
Astragalus barrii
USDA Symbol:
ASBA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
purple, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, native pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Cedar glade habitat maintained by periodic fire. Plant tolerates fire and may benefit from removal of woody encroachment.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained calcareous soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
often found in limestone outcrops

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Hard seed coat requires scarification followed by cold stratification. Germination may be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Scarify, then cold-moist stratify for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Put in deep pot; protect from damping off

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society