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]

Shivwits milkvetch

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

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. The Nature Conservancy
  2. 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. Center for Plant Conservation Archived December 15, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  5. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=Q2ZA
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