Locoweed – description, flowering period and general distribution in Northwest Territories. young green twig

Locoweed – description, flowering period and general distribution in Northwest Territories. first gently purple flowers

Locoweed – description, flowering period and general distribution in Northwest Territories. delicate flowers in a pine forest

Locoweed – description, flowering period and general distribution in Northwest Territories. large inflorescences

Common name:

Locoweed

Scientific name:

Astragalus.

Other common name(s):

Milkvetch, Locoweed, Goat's-thorn.

Life form:

Herb, Shrub.

Flowering time:

no data.

Flowering period

in Northwest Territories for this plant is: May ↔ June.

NECTAR PRODUCTION:

Minor

SOURCE FOR HONEY BEES:

Minor

General distribution:

Astragalus is a large genus of over 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae and the subfamily Faboideae. It is the largest genus of plants in terms of described species. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Common names include milkvetch (most species), locoweed (in North America, some species), and goat's-thorn (A. gummifer, A. tragacantha).

Map of distribution and habitat in Canada

This plant is present in at least 63 states/provinces in this country.

See The Map

Botanical description:

Milkvetch species include herbs and shrubs with pinnately compound leaves. There are annual and perennial species. The flowers are formed in clusters in a raceme, each flower typical of the legume family, with three types of petals: banner, wings, and keel. The calyx is tubular or bell-shaped.

Seasonal development:

Some species of Astragalus are useful honey plants, whereas other species are poisonous to bees and livestock.

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List of honey plants that may be blooming now in Northwest Territories

See the entire list

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Salix scouleriana (aka: Scouler's willow, Upland willow)

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Salix pulchra (aka: Tealeaf willow, Flatleaf willow, Flat-leaved willow, Paneleaf willow, Thin red willow)

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Astragalus (aka: Milkvetch, Locoweed, Goat's-thorn)

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