Astragalus linifolius is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name Grand Junction milkvetch. It is endemic to Colorado in the United States, where it is only found on the Uncompahgre Plateau in Delta, Mesa, and Montrose Counties. There are 21 occurrences, mostly in the general vicinity of Grand Junction.[2]

Grand Junction milkvetch

Vulnerable  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Astragalus
Species:
A. linifolius
Binomial name
Astragalus linifolius

This perennial herb grows up to 50 centimeters in height. In May and June it produces many white flowers with purple-tinged keels.[3] The fruit is a red legume pod.[2] It grows on adobe and sandstone in pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush habitat.[3]

This species is known to absorb selenium.[2]

References

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  1. ^ NatureServe (2024). "Astragalus linifolius". Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Astragalus linifolius. Archived October 26, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Center for Plant Conservation.
  3. ^ a b Astragalus linifolius. The Nature Conservancy.
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