Astragalus zionis explained

Astragalus zionis is a species of legume known by the common name Zion milkvetch. It is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in Zion canyon.[1] Its range extends from Zion National Park across southern Utah through Glen Canyon to San Juan County, Utah; at altitudes of 970 to 2200 meters.[2]

Flowers are purple and the foliage is silvery. Pods are rather hairy, somewhat inflated, divided into up to 19 ovate, usually mottled and become nearly one inch long.[3]

The whole plant's height is up to 18 inches. Its bloom season is April to June.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Nelson, Ruth Ashton . Plants of Zion National Park . Zion Natural History Association . 1976 . Springdale, Utah, USA . 152 . 0-915630-01-X .
  2. Book: Albee , Beverly J. . Leila M. Sjultz . Sherel Goodrich . Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Utah . The Utah Museum of Natural History . 1988 . Salt Lake City, Utah, USA . 293 . 0-940378-09-4 .
  3. Web site: Southwest . The American . Western USA wildflowers: Zion Milkvetch, Astragalus Zionis . 2023-06-16 . www.americansouthwest.net.