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Astragalus pectinatus

Species category

Weed

Common name

narrowleafed milkvetch

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.
 to mitten shaped with marginal cleft

Size

  • Length: 4 mm
  • Width: 2 mm
  • Thickness: 1 mm

Color

Light brown

Texture

Wavy, smooth to irregularly pitted

Other structures

RadicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
 lobe long and adjacent to cotyledonCotyledon:
The modified storage leaf or pair of leaves of an embryo and seedling (see primary leaf).
 lobe

Identification notes

The hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 notch is very distinct and is positioned two-thirds up the seed. The hilar area and tip of the radicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
 are lighter in color.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Astragalus pectinatus (Douglas ex Hook.) Douglas ex G. Don

Synonyms

Cnemidophacos pectinatus (Douglas ex Hook.) Rydb.

Astragalus pectinatus.  True seed with a wavy, smooth to irregular pitted texture. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Astragalus pectinatus. True seed with a wavy, smooth to irregular pitted texture. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.