Alkali milkvetch facts for kids

Astragalus tener, also called the alkali milkvetch, is a type of wild plant. It's a member of the milkvetch family. This plant only grows in California, which means it is "endemic" there. You can find it in wet areas, both near the coast and further inland, like in the Central Valley.

What Does the Alkali Milkvetch Look Like?

The alkali milkvetch is a small plant that grows new each year. It has stems that stand up straight, reaching about 30 centimeters (12 inches) tall. Its leaves can be up to 9 centimeters (about 3.5 inches) long. Each leaf is made of several smaller, oval-shaped parts called leaflets.

The plant has pretty flowers that grow in a tight bunch. These flowers are usually pinkish-purple with white spots. After the flowers, the plant produces a long, thin seed pod. This pod is a type of fruit called a legume, and it can be up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. Inside, you'll usually find two smooth seeds.

Different Kinds of Alkali Milkvetch

There are three different types, or "varieties," of the alkali milkvetch. One of these is called the coastal dunes milkvetch. Its scientific name is Astragalus tener var. titi.

This coastal dunes milkvetch is a very rare plant. The United States government lists it as an endangered species. This means it is in danger of disappearing forever. It used to grow in more places in southern California. Now, it is mostly found only in coastal Monterey County. This is because it has been "extirpated," meaning it has died out in other areas where it once grew.

You can find Astragalus tener growing in the two remaining forests of Monterey Cypress trees. These special forests are also located in Monterey County, California.