Astragalus alpinus, June 8, 2021
A. alpinus, Indy ghost town, 10,800’, June 28, 2021
Common & scientific name
Alpine milkvetch, Astragalus alpinus
Family
Pea, Fabaceae
Location
Roadside between La Plata & Twin Lakes, 9,600’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This circumpolar, pioneer plant may be the most widely distributed and common Astragalus in the world. While it is rarely found above treeline in our area, despite its name, and is more common on the east side of the Pass than the west, it is always a delight to find, in subalpine woods, meadows, and even (especially!) roadside, with its dainty purple-and-white flowers set among its sprawling ladder-like leaves. It is also enjoyed by caribou, arctic hares, and greater snow geese (as food, that is), and grizzly bears forage its underground parts.