Plant of the Month

Astragalus chamaeleuce is commonly called the cicada milk-vetch.  It is native primarily in Utah and neighboring areas of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, where it grows in semi-desert regions, and open juniper scrubland.  Plants are generally under 15 cm, with pinnate, silvery-green leaves and nearly stemless magenta-pink flowers. Swollen bladder-like pods are an interesting feature later in the season.