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Astragalus proximus
Astragalus proximus (Aztec Milkvetch)

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Semi-desert. Shrublands, openings. Spring.
De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, April 23, 2007.

Astragalus proximus typically grows numerous leaf and flower stems in a dense mass with numerous leaflets and flowers.  Leaflets are long and narrow in an open, airy configuration and flowers are tiny, delicate, and quite handsome.

Astragalus proximus is found only in Colorado and New Mexico.  In Colorado it is rare in three southwestern counties and although more common in three northwestern New Mexico counties, it is still in need of protection there. 

Astragalus proximus

Astragalus proximus
Astragalus proximus (Aztec Milkvetch)
 Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Semi-desert. Shrublands, openings. Spring.
De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, April 23, 2007.

These lovely flowers are only 7 millimeters long.  Carry a hand lens with you on your walks to appreciate such delicate and minute beauty.

Astragalus proximus was first named Homalobus proximus by Per Axel Rydberg in 1905 from a specimen collected at Arboles, Colorado by Charles Baker in 1899.  In 1915 Elmer Wooton and Paul Standley renamed the species Astragalus proximus.

Compare Astragalus proximus with Astragalus wingatanus and Astragalus coltonii.

Click to read about the Astragalus genus..

 
Astragalus proximus
Astragalus proximus (Aztec Milkvetch)
 Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Semi-desert. Shrublands, openings. Spring.
De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, May 21, 2009.

 

Astragalus proximus produces enormous quantities of seed pods.  Shown here are about 5% of the pods on one plant.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Questionable presence

Range map for Astragalus proximus