Bourgov's Milkvetch

Astragalus bourgovii

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Astragalus
Species:
Astragalus bourgovii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
Less than 6 in
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug, sep
Bloom Colors:
Pink, Yellow, Purple

Native Range

United States: Idaho, Montana, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Fresh seeds are scarified with sandpaper and placed in a 5 month outdoor cold, moist stratification. A hot water treatment for 5 to 20 seconds is recommended, immediately transferred to cool water, and soaked in cool water for 24 to 48 hours.

Establishment: Collect mature legumes when they begin to split and turn tan in color. Seeds are brown at maturity. Pods are collected in paper bags and kept in a well ventilated drying shed prior to cleaning. A. bourgouvii occurs in the northern Rocky Mountains, from B.C. and Alberta, south to Montana and west to Shoshone Co., Idaho, on talus and scree slopes in the subalpine to alpine.

Source: npn.rngr.net