Astragalus
tridactylicus or Orophaca tridactylica (Foothills Milkvetch)
Family:
Fabaceae
(Pea)
Astragalus tridactylicus
is mat forming and is one of the first legumes to bloom in the spring. Leaves
are trifoliate and pubescent. It is usually found on shale outcrops along the
foothills.
Compare to Astragalus sericoleucus,
which grows on sandstone outcrops of the eastern plains. Flowers of A. sericoleucus
are slightly smaller and deeper purple.
