4 Department Circular 81, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT. 



Astragalus tetrapterus is a perennial leguminous plant belong- 

 ing to the same family as the locoes, alfalfa, ete. It is from 1 to 2 

 feet in height, with linear leaves, small, rather inconspicuous flowers 

 of a light-purple color, and curved, four-winged pods. Figure 

 1 shows the plant in bloom, while figure 2 shows it in pod. The 



Pig. 1. — Astragalus tetrapterus, showing the plant in flower. 



plant is readily recognized by the peculiar pods, which are unique 

 in their form. Even early in the season, before the pods are formed, 

 the pods of the preceding year ordinarily can be found around the 

 old plants. 



The plant grows in the foothills, and so far as known now is con- 

 fined to southern Utah and western Nevada, although it is possible 



