Astragalus sp. – “Locoweed”

Also Known As: Milk Vetch
Family: Legume, Bean (Fabaceae)
Bloom period: Spring and Summer
Form: Annual and perennial ground-covers, trailing vines and upright herbs
Habitat: Sandy soils, washes and disturbed areas
Leaves: Various pinnately- or palmately-compound
Translation: “Astragalus” is the Greek name for a particular bone in the human foot that the dry fruit supposedly resembles.
Notes: There are more species of plants in the Astragalus genus in western North America than in any other genus. A microscope is required to differentiate some. “Loco” is Spanish for “crazy” and “loco disease” is the often fatal condition that livestock get from consuming this plant. The toxic alkaloid responsible has been named “locine.” Some species also uptake selenium from the soil and can kill an animal that way. Humans should also avoid eating these plants.
Native American Uses: Native Americans had limited use for different species of Astragulus, including topically (applied externally) for injured backs, skin sores, sore throats, sand in the eyes, and as a hair and body wash. The Hopi utilized some species as an emetic (vomit inducer) in ceremony. Certain seeds were added to food in small amounts as a spice by the Cahuilla and Shoshone.
Animal Associations: For some, but not at all species of Astragulus: Leaves eaten by the White-Tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel, Mojave Ground Squirrel and Bushy-Tailed Woodrat; seeds eaten by Gambel’s quail; forage for the Mule Deer.