The genus Astragalus is very complex, but the following set of characteristics should help to distinguish this species from most others, at least in Colorado where it is frequently submitted for identification. The plants are perennials found on dry sites and have leaves 2-6 inches long with 9-25 narrowly rounded leaflets. The stipules are united >25% of their length and are 5-15 mm long. The fruits are 7-12 mm long, 3-4 mm wide and covered with white 2-rayed hairs. The flowers are various shades of purple or white and erect along the flowering stem. Virtually all of our species are non weedy native wildflowers which have been included in weed books due to toxicity from alkaloids or selenium accumulation.
