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Astragalus zionis
Astragalus zionis is a species of legume known by the common name Zion milkvetch. It is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in Zion canyon.[3] First described by botanist Marcus E. Jones in 1895, the species has also been placed in the defunct genus Xylophacos under the name Xylophacos zionis.[2] The variety Astragalus zionis var. vigulus, the guard milkvetch, was described by Stanley Welsh in 1993.[4] Description The plant's flowers are purple and its foliage is silvery. The pods are rather hairy, somewhat inflated, ovate, usually mottled, and grow up to one inch long.[3] Distribution, habitat, and conservationThe range of Astragalus zionis extends from Zion National Park across southern Utah through Glen Canyon to San Juan County, at altitudes of 970 to 2200 meters.[5] It is found on rocky slopes throughout Zion canyon.[3] Astragalus zionis var. vigulus is considered a Critically Imperiled Plant by the United States Forestry Service and a Critically Imperiled Variety by NatureServe, but is not listed under the Endangered Species Act.[6][7] References
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