Astragalus wittmannii (One-Flowered Milkvetch)
Family
FABACEAE
Synonyms
NONE
Common Name
One-Flowered Milkvetch
| USFWS | State of NM | USFS | BLM | Navajo Nation | State Rank | Global Rank | R-E-D Code | NMRPTC Status | Strategy Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEN | G2G3 | 1-1-3 | R | SS |
| Overall Conservation Status | Documented Threats | Actions Needed |
|---|---|---|
| UNDER CONSERVED | Mining and quarrying. Urban development. |
Status surveys on abundance, distribution and threats |
Description
Matted perennial, forming low cushions up to 30 cm across; stems absent or less than 2 cm; herbage strigose with dolabriform hairs; leaves pinnately compound, to 8 cm long, with 5-7 narrow leaflets; flowers pea-like, solitary on each peduncle, nestled among the leaves, dark reddish-purple, about 15 mm long; pods almost round except for a small beak at the apex, about 3 mm in diameter, hairy. Flowers in May.
Similar Species
The allopatric A. siliceus has 1- to 3-flowered racemes and ovoid pods that are slightly laterally compressed.
Distribution
New Mexico, Colfax, Harding, and Mora counties.
Habitat
Greenhorn limestone hills and knolls in shortgrass prairie; 1,800-2,000 m (5,900-6,600 ft).
Remarks
Endemic to northeastern New Mexico. At least 20 locations have been recorded for this species.
Conservation Considerations
Limestone knoll habitats are occasionally mined for roadbase materials. Livestock grazing is not a threat to this plant.
Important Literature
Isely, D. 1998. Native and naturalized Leguminosae (Fabaceae) of the United States. Monte L. Beane Life Science Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.
Barneby, R.C. 1979. Dragma hippomanicum IV: new taxa of Astragalus sect. Humillimi. Brittonia 31:459-63.
*New Mexico Native Plants Protection Advisory Committee. 1984. A handbook of rare and endemic plants of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque.
Information Compiled By
Ken Heil, Joey Herring 1999
For distribution maps and more information, visit Natural Heritage New Mexico