Ellis’ Stinking Milkvetch: A Little-Known Native Perennial Worth Understanding
If you’ve never heard of Ellis’ stinking milkvetch, you’re not alone. This native perennial, scientifically known as Astragalus praelongus var. ellisiae, is one of those under-the-radar plants that deserves more attention from native plant enthusiasts, even if it’s not destined to become a garden center staple.
What Exactly Is Ellis’ Stinking Milkvetch?
Despite its rather unfortunate common name (let’s be honest, stinking doesn’t exactly scream plant me!), Ellis’ stinking milkvetch is a legitimate native perennial that belongs to the legume family. Like other members of the Astragalus genus, it’s part of the diverse milkvetch group that includes hundreds of species across North America.
This particular variety is native to the lower 48 states, making it a true American original rather than an introduced species that gardeners need to worry about.
Where Does It Call Home?
Ellis’ stinking milkvetch has a fairly limited natural range, calling four southwestern states home:
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Utah
This restricted distribution suggests it has specific habitat preferences and may be adapted to particular environmental conditions found in these regions.
Should You Consider Growing It?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Ellis’ stinking milkvetch is undoubtedly a legitimate native plant, there’s limited information available about its cultivation requirements, appearance, or garden performance. This isn’t necessarily a red flag—it simply means this variety hasn’t made its way into mainstream horticulture.
The plant’s conservation status suggests it may be uncommon in the wild, which raises an important point: if you’re interested in this species, it’s crucial to source it responsibly. Never collect plants from wild populations, and always purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their stock rather than wild-harvesting.
What We Know (And Don’t Know) About Growing Conditions
Unfortunately, specific growing information for Ellis’ stinking milkvetch is scarce. However, we can make some educated guesses based on its native range and family characteristics:
- As a southwestern native, it likely prefers well-draining soils
- It’s probably adapted to arid or semi-arid conditions
- Like other legumes, it may fix nitrogen in the soil
- It’s a perennial, so it should return year after year once established
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
Ellis’ stinking milkvetch represents the fascinating diversity of our native flora, even if it’s not ready for prime-time landscaping. If you’re a collector of rare natives or live within its natural range, this plant might be worth seeking out—just remember to source responsibly.
For most gardeners looking to support native ecosystems, there are many other well-documented native milkvetches and legumes that might be easier to find and grow successfully. Consider exploring other Astragalus species or native legumes that are better understood and more readily available.
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the ones that keep a little mystery about them, and Ellis’ stinking milkvetch certainly fits that description!
