Gilman's milkvetch facts for kids

Gilman's milkvetch (scientific name: Astragalus gilmanii) is a type of plant called a milkvetch. It grows in the dry, desert areas and woodlands of Nevada and California. You can find it in places like the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Inyo Mountains, and near Death Valley in the Panamint Range.

What is Gilman's Milkvetch?

Gilman's milkvetch is a small plant that grows close to the ground. It can be an annual (meaning it lives for only one year) or a perennial (meaning it lives for more than two years). Its stems can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long. These stems are often covered in fine hairs.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of this plant are about 7 centimeters (almost 3 inches) long. Each leaf is made up of several smaller leaflets. These leaflets are fuzzy and have a pretty purple edge.

The plant produces groups of flowers called an inflorescence. Each group has about 4 to 9 bright pinkish-purple flowers. Each flower is small, only about 7 millimeters (less than half an inch) long.

Fruit and Seeds

After the flowers bloom, the plant grows a special kind of fruit. This fruit is an inflated pod, which looks like a small, papery balloon. It's about 2 centimeters (less than an inch) long. Inside this pod, there are several seeds.

Where Does It Grow?

Gilman's milkvetch is native to the western United States. It prefers dry, open areas like:

• Desert scrublands
• Woodlands

It is found mainly in:

• Nevada
• The Sierra Nevada mountains in California
• The Inyo Mountains in California
• A few spots in the Panamint Range, which is next to Death Valley in California

This plant is an important part of the desert ecosystem in these regions.

See also

In Spanish: Astragalus gilmanii para niños