Mulford’s Milkvetch: A Rare Northwestern Native Worth Protecting
If you’re a native plant enthusiast looking for something truly special—and incredibly rare—Mulford’s milkvetch (Astragalus mulfordiae) might catch your attention. But before you start planning where to plant it, there’s something important you need to know about this elusive perennial.
What Makes Mulford’s Milkvetch Special
Mulford’s milkvetch is a perennial plant that belongs to the legume family, making it a cousin to beans, peas, and other nitrogen-fixing plants. While we don’t have detailed descriptions of its exact appearance, most Astragalus species produce small, pea-like flowers that are quite charming in their own understated way.
Where It Calls Home
This native beauty is found exclusively in Idaho and Oregon, making it a true regional treasure of the Pacific Northwest. It’s endemic to the lower 48 states and represents the unique botanical heritage of this specific area.
The Rarity Reality Check
Here’s where things get serious: Mulford’s milkvetch has a Global Conservation Status of S2, which translates to Imperiled. This means it’s extremely rare, with typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and between 1,000 to 3,000 remaining individuals in the wild. That’s not very many when you think about it!
This rarity status is crucial for any gardener to understand. While it might be tempting to want this exclusive plant in your garden, it’s essential to approach it responsibly.
Should You Grow Mulford’s Milkvetch?
The short answer is: only with extreme caution and responsibility. If you’re determined to grow this rare beauty, here are the non-negotiables:
- Only source seeds or plants from reputable native plant societies or conservation organizations
- Never collect from wild populations
- Consider whether growing it might contribute to conservation efforts in your area
- Be prepared for limited growing information due to its rarity
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing conditions for Mulford’s milkvetch aren’t well-documented, which is common for rare species. However, we can make some educated guesses based on its native habitat and its family characteristics:
- As a member of the legume family, it likely prefers well-draining soils
- Being native to Idaho and Oregon, it’s probably adapted to the region’s climate patterns
- Most Astragalus species can handle some drought once established
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While specific data on Mulford’s milkvetch isn’t available, plants in the Astragalus genus typically support native pollinators, especially bees. The flowers, though small, can provide important nectar sources for local wildlife.
Consider the Alternatives
Given the conservation concerns, you might want to consider other native legumes from Idaho and Oregon that aren’t imperiled. Look for other regional Astragalus species with more stable populations, or explore native lupines, clovers, or vetches that can provide similar ecological benefits without the conservation concerns.
The Bottom Line
Mulford’s milkvetch is undoubtedly a fascinating plant that represents the unique botanical diversity of the Pacific Northwest. However, its imperiled status means that growing it comes with significant responsibility. If you do choose to grow it, make sure you’re contributing to conservation rather than putting additional pressure on wild populations.
Sometimes the most meaningful way to appreciate a rare plant is to support the organizations working to protect it in its natural habitat. Your local native plant society or state conservation department might have programs where you can contribute to Mulford’s milkvetch conservation efforts—and that might be the most rewarding way to connect with this remarkable plant.
