Shivwits milkvetch

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Astragalus
Species:
A. ampullarioides
Binomial name
Astragalus ampullarioides

Astragalus ampullarioides is a rare species of milkvetch known by the common name Shivwits milkvetch. It was previously classified as a variety of Astragalus eremiticus.[2] It is endemic to Washington County, Utah, where it is known from only seven populations.[2] Estimates of the total number of individuals range from 1000[1] to 4200.[3] The species occurs in desert scrub and woodlands on the Chinle Formation.[4] It is a federally listed endangered species.[5]

This is a perennial herb growing erect to a maximum height near half a meter. It produces about 45 flowers on an erect inflorescence.[4] It is pollinated by bees.[2]

Much of the plant's range is within the bounds of Zion National Park and Shivwits tribal lands.[4] Other parts of the range are unprotected. Threats to the species include habitat loss to development and agriculture, herbivory by rabbits, cattle grazing, off-road vehicles, quarrying, and introduced plant species.[1][4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Nature Conservancy". Archived from the original on 2002-11-23. Retrieved 2011-01-17.
  2. 1 2 3 Breinholt, J. W., et al. (2009). Population genetic structure of an endangered Utah endemic, Astragalus ampullarioides (Fabaceae). American Journal of Botany 96 661.
  3. Zion National Park
  4. 1 2 3 4 Center for Plant Conservation Archived December 15, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  5. "Species Profile for Shivwits milk-vetch (Astragalus ampullarioides)". ecos.fws.gov. Archived from the original on 2016-12-30.


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