Salton Milkvetch
Astragalus crotalariae
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Astragalus
- Species:
- Astragalus crotalariae
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 2-3 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan, feb, mar, apr
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Red, Purple
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica), Euxoa declarata, Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Queen Alexandra's Sulphur (Colias alexandra), Western Tailed-Blue (Everes amyntula)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions; prefers open, sunny areas