Sentry Milkvetch

Astragalus cremnophylax

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Astragalus
Species:
Astragalus cremnophylax
USDA Symbol:
ASCR3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained limestone soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
grows in crevices of limestone cliffs

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Scarification improves germination rates. Seeds may have low viability and erratic germination typical of narrow endemic species.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI