User:Roerica7/Astragalus trichopodus

Lead-in
The species has three subspecies.

Astraglus trichopodus var. antiselli - Antisell's milkvetch

Astraglus trichopodus var. lonchus - Southern California milkvetch

Astraglus trichopodus var. trichopodus - Santa Barbara milkvetch

Description
The species' blooming period is from February to June.

Distribution and Habitat
The plant is endemic and native to southern California and its range also extends to Baja California. It can be found in coastal sage scrub and grassland communities.

It is most commonly found in the months of March, April, and May.

Its conservation status is listed as G3, which means it is vulnerable.

Ecology
Astragalus trichopodus supports many different species of butterflies and is the host plant for the Reakirt's blue, the arrowhead blue, the marine blue, Queen Alexandra's sulphur, and the critically endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly.

The species was once thought to be the only host plant for PV blue butterflies, but larvae have since been found to feed on Lotus scoparius as well.