Rogue River milkvetch
Astragalus accidens S. Watson
Rogue River milkvetch changes noticeably as its flowers give way to fruit. Developing pods can weigh down their supporting stalks until they approach the ground. A branching perennial base supports its growth from year to year, sending out several stems that spread outward before rising weakly. World Flora Online: Astragalus accidens; Barneby, Atlas of North American Astragalus
Botanical name
The cited taxonomic authority accepts Astragalus accidens S. Watson at species rank. ITIS: Astragalus accidens
Recognizing the plant
The stems commonly reach thirty to fifty-five centimetres long and are leafless near their bases. Compound leaves usually carry nineteen to twenty-nine small, oblong leaflets with shallowly notched tips. Fine hairs give the foliage a green to grey-green appearance. Racemes hold seven to fifteen whitish flowers, each with the banner, wings and keel of a pea blossom. The plump, oblong pods narrow abruptly at both ends and finish in sharp beaks. Initially green and fleshy, their walls become leathery or woody and develop a coarse network of wrinkles. Inside are small brown seeds, sometimes dotted purple. World Flora Online: Astragalus accidens; Barneby, Atlas of North American Astragalus
Native range
Astragalus accidens is a perennial of Oregon and California in the pea family. World Flora Online: Astragalus accidens; Barneby, Atlas of North American Astragalus
Botanical sources
- ITIS: Astragalus accidens
- World Flora Online: Astragalus accidens; Barneby, Atlas of North American Astragalus
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.