Astragalus lentiginosus – “Specklepod Locoweed”

Also Known As: Specklepod Loco Milkvetch, Freckled milk vetch, Rattle pod
Family: Legume, Bean (Fabaceae)
Bloom Period: May-Jun
Form: Annual or perennial herb
Habitat: Low, sandy deserts to high mountain slopes
Leaves: Pinnately divided, with 5-15 leaflets that are elliptical, folded up somewhat along central vein; alternate
Translation: “Astragalus” is the Greek name for a particular bone in the human foot that the dry fruit of some species in this genus supposedly resembles; “lentiginosus” is Latin for “speckled.”
Notes: A highly variable species with over 20 subspecies.
Native American Uses: The Jemez and Zuni ate the pods fresh or cooked; the Zuni also dried them for winter use. The Kayenta Navajo used the plant as a charm.
Animal relationships: Host plant for Acmon Blue butterfly.