Astragalus ripleyi
| Astragalus ripleyi | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Astragalus |
| Species: | A. ripleyi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Astragalus ripleyi Barneby
| |
Astragalus ripleyi is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name Ripley's milkvetch. It is native to southern Colorado and northern New Mexico in the United States.[1]
Description
This plant is a perennial herb growing up to one meter tall with stems arising from an underground caudex. This caudex branches into stems underground and has been called a rhizome. The leaves are compound, each made up of up to 19 leaflets. The plant is mostly hairy, with silvery hairs giving it a grayish appearance. The flowers are yellow and between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The fruit is a flat pod up to 3 centimeters long. Each fruit has a long stipe, the area between the stem and the fruit. Flowering occurs in June and July.[1]
Habitat
This plant occurs in the southern
Distribution
This species is only found in Taos and Rio Arriba Counties in New Mexico and Conejos County, Colorado. It can be locally abundant. There are an estimated 10,000 individuals.[1]
Conservation
This plant is attractive to many types of animals and it may be heavily grazed. Grazing, especially by sheep, is a threat to its survival. Wildlife also consumes it. Another threat is invasive plant species, especially species of clover. Other threats include fire suppression and any force that causes erosion in the habitat.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f NatureServe (2024). "Astragalus ripleyi". Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ Ladyman, J. A. R. (2003, December 16). Astragalus ripleyi Barneby (Ripley’s milkvetch): A technical conservation assessment. [Online]. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region.
External links
