Lawrence’s Milkvetch – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Overview

Species Common Name Lawrence's Milkvetch
Species Scientific Name Astragalus collinus var. laurentii
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Threatened

Ecoregions

Columbia Plateau

The Columbia Plateau ecoregion was shaped by cataclysmic floods and large deposits of wind-borne silt and sand earlier in its geological history. It is dominated by a rolling landscape of arid lowlands dissected by several important rivers, and extends from the eastern slopes of the Cascades Mountains, south and east from the Columbia River to the Blue Mountains.

Special needs

Lawrence's milkvetch is found on deep loess soils in Palouse grasslands.

Limiting factors

This narrowly-distributed species' is endemic to the Columbia Plateau, including western Umatilla and Morrow Counties. Habitat loss, namely agricultural conversion, has impacted Lawrence's milkvetch. Grazing, herbicide use, road construction, and invasive plants (primarily knapweeds) are additional risk factors.

Data gaps

Improve understanding of reproductive biology. Conduct pollinator studies. Develop seed germination, propagation, and transplanting protocols.

Conservation actions

Work cooperatively with landowners to maintain priority sites. Control invasive plants.

Key reference or plan

Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Conservation