Fabaceae

Astragalus hoodianus

Hood River Milkvetch

Erect stem 1–2 ft. tall, entire plant luminous with shiny stiff hairs. Leaves upright from near base with 11–15 leaflets. Flower stalk sturdy, 8–12 in., flower head 2–3 in. long, with many creamy white to white flowers. Calyx coated with white hairs. Seedpods leathery, oblong, covered with long fine hair. Grows in dry hillsides, savannas. Astragalus reventiformis differs, with black calyx hair, hairless seedpods. There are many Astragalus species east of Cascades, often difficult to tell apart even with a technical manual.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 1--2 feet
• Habitat: Meadow, Shrub-Steppe
• Found In: East Gorge
• Native: Yes