Englemann's Milkvetch (var. engelmannii) Astragalus distortus var. engelmannii variety
Englemann's Milkvetch (var. engelmannii) is a perennial wildflower native to the lower 48 states. A host for pollen-specialist native bees.
More about this plant
Astragalus distortus is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name Ozark milkvetch. It is found in the central United States. Missouri has a wide distribution of this plant, but is uncommon or absent in the northwestern and southeastern sections of the state. The species is subdivided into two varieties, neither of which is particularly common. There is no vine on the plant in Missouri, and it has small, purple inflorescences. Identifying characteristics include its small size, non-vining habit, and its inflorescences. It is a perennial herb. Its habitats include prairies and savannas. Wikipedia →
Growing & care
USDA PLANTS · TRY- Hardiness
- ≥ zone 8 derived from its U.S. range
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Wildlife & pollinators
How pollinator value is scored →❧ Caterpillar hosts ~15 caterpillar species
Astragalus supports ~15 caterpillar species.
Native butterfly & moth caterpillars are the base of the terrestrial food web — most songbirds rear their young almost entirely on them. As a host for native Lepidoptera this is a moderate genus.
Recorded feeding on Astragalus in North America, including:
+ 8 more species → ↑ show fewer
✦ Bees specialist-bee host
Specialist native bees depend on it.
Some native bees are pollen specialists (oligolectic) — they raise young only on pollen from particular plant genera. Astragalus is a recorded specialist-bee host, so losing it can mean losing the bee that relies on it.
Related plants
More Astragalus →
Sources for this entry (12) Open & cited
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