Lackschewitz’s Milkvetch: A Rare Montana Native Worth Protecting
Meet Lackschewitz’s milkvetch (Astragalus lackschewitzii), a little-known perennial wildflower that calls Montana home. This unassuming member of the legume family might not be the showiest plant in your garden catalog, but it carries the distinction of being one of Montana’s endemic treasures – and that makes it pretty special indeed.
A True Montana Original
Lackschewitz’s milkvetch is a native plant species found exclusively in Montana, making it what botanists call an endemic species. This perennial wildflower has adapted to the unique conditions of Big Sky Country over thousands of years, developing characteristics that help it thrive in Montana’s challenging climate.
Currently, this species is found only in Montana, where it grows in select locations across the state. Its limited distribution makes every population precious for maintaining the genetic diversity of this unique plant.
What Does It Look Like?
As a member of the Astragalus genus (commonly known as milkvetches), this perennial plant shares the family characteristics of compound leaves and pea-like flowers typical of legumes. Like its relatives, Lackschewitz’s milkvetch likely produces small, colorful blooms that would appeal to native pollinators, though specific details about its appearance can vary based on growing conditions.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Here’s where things get serious, fellow gardeners. Lackschewitz’s milkvetch has a Global Conservation Status of S2S3, which indicates this species is vulnerable to imperiled. In plain English? This plant is rare and potentially at risk.
This rarity status means we need to be extra thoughtful about how we approach growing this species. While supporting native plants is always admirable, rare species require special consideration.
Should You Grow Lackschewitz’s Milkvetch?
If you’re drawn to this rare Montana native, here’s what you need to know:
- Source responsibly: Only obtain plants or seeds from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify their stock comes from ethical, sustainable sources
- Never collect from the wild: Harvesting rare plants from natural populations can harm already vulnerable species
- Consider alternatives: Montana has many other beautiful native Astragalus species that aren’t as rare
- Support conservation: Consider donating to organizations working to protect Montana’s rare plants instead
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do obtain Lackschewitz’s milkvetch through responsible sources, keep in mind that rare plants often have specific needs:
- Climate: Best suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-5, matching Montana’s climate
- Soil: Likely prefers well-draining soils typical of its native habitat
- Sunlight: Probably thrives in full sun conditions
- Water: As a Montana native, it’s likely adapted to lower moisture conditions
Keep in mind that rare plants can be finicky in cultivation. They’ve evolved for very specific conditions, and replicating those conditions in your garden may prove challenging.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Like other members of the legume family, Lackschewitz’s milkvetch likely provides valuable services to local ecosystems. The flowers probably attract native bees and other pollinators, while the plant itself may serve as food for specialized insects that have co-evolved with Astragalus species.
The Bottom Line
Lackschewitz’s milkvetch represents something precious in the plant world – a species that exists nowhere else on Earth except Montana. While the desire to grow rare natives is understandable and even admirable, sometimes the best way to support a rare species is to protect it where it naturally occurs.
If you’re passionate about Montana natives, consider supporting habitat conservation efforts or growing more common native species that provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns. Sometimes loving a plant means letting it flourish in its wild home rather than bringing it into our gardens.
For gardeners specifically interested in milkvetches, look for more common Astragalus species native to your area – you’ll still get the beautiful flowers and pollinator benefits while supporting conservation through responsible gardening choices.
