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Dwarf white milkvetch facts for kids

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Dwarf white milkvetch
Astragalusdidymocarpus.jpg
var. didymocarpus
Conservation status
Scientific classification

Astragalus didymocarpus is a type of plant known as a milkvetch. People often call it the Dwarf white milkvetch or Two-seeded milkvetch. This plant grows naturally in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. You can find it in many different kinds of places, from deserts to grassy areas.

What it Looks Like

Astragalus didymocarpus is a small, thin plant that lives for only one year. It has tiny hairs all over it. The plant can grow straight up to about 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) tall. Sometimes, it might droop or spread out flat on the ground.

Its leaves are usually 7 to 8 centimeters long. They are made up of many small, narrow leaflets. The plant's flowers grow in a cluster, with up to 30 flowers in one group. Each flower is less than 1 centimeter long and is white with a hint of purple. The whole flower cluster is covered in long black and white hairs.

After the flowers, the plant makes a small, round seed pod. This pod is a type of legume, which means it's like a pea or bean pod. When it dries, it becomes stiff and feels like paper.

Different Kinds of Astragalus didymocarpus

There are a few different types, or varieties, of Astragalus didymocarpus. Each variety has slightly different features or grows in different places:

  • A. d. var. didymocarpus: This type grows straight up. You can find it in western Nevada and most of California.
  • A. d. var. dispermus: This variety grows flat on the ground. It is common in desert areas.
  • A. d. var. milesianus (Miles' milkvetch): This type is quite rare. It only grows along the Central Coast of California.
  • A. d. var. obispoensis: This variety has stems that grow upwards. It is found along the coast in southern California and Baja California.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Astragalus didymocarpus para niños

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Dwarf white milkvetch Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.