Astragalus
sericoleucus or Orophaca sericea (Silky Milkvetch)
Family:
Fabaceae
(Pea)
Astragalus sericoleucus
is a mat forming legume found primarily on sandstone outcrops on the plains of
northeastern Colorado. Flowers are small, less than 1 cm long. Leaves are trifoliate
and pubescent.
Compare to Astragalus tridactylicus,
which also grows in mats but has slightly larger flowers and grows along the lower
foothills.