PAPILIOLACEAE 



Both of those aro good erosion control plants which form a good 

 ground cover and aro frequently heavily browsed. Before they can 

 be recommended for range use, however, it will bo necessary to learn 

 more about their properties in relation to alkaloids and selenium. 



Aragallus see., Locos. This genus contains some of our most 

 serious locos. In some regions, particularly within national Forests, 

 eradication campaigns have boon attempted. It is probable that the 

 best control, however, is careful range use. An abundance of Aragallus 

 is an almost certain indication of overgrazing and range abuse. 



* Lat hyrus_ docaphyllus , Wild Pea, is closely related to our 

 native vetches. It is often abundant in ground that has boon dis- 

 turbed either through read building or by floods. In northern Hew 

 Mexico, particularly in the region of Wagon Mound, New Mexico, 

 Canyon Padre, Arizona, and in Zion National Pari: in Utah, it forms 

 quite dense plants with abundant perennial rhizomatous roots. It 

 has handsome blue flowers and rather narrow leaflets. Per situa- 

 tions in which it will grow, mainly those on freshly made road 

 grades and in places whore there is likely to be considerable ero- 

 sion from flood water, this plant makes an ideal erosion control 

 plant. It also has a value for forage. 



Lathy rus leucanthus Is a plant closely allied to L. d ocaphyllus . 



In the southw est it is relatively scarce and apparently is suited 

 only to considerably higher altitudes and more shady plo.cos. 



Lathyrus anerioanus is widely distributed in the west at rela- 

 tively high altitudes and in timber or shady situations. It is an 

 excellent forage plant and whore sufficiently abundant is an active 

 erosion control agent, being a perennial with widely spreading root- 

 stocks. Its use in erosion control practices is distinctly limited 

 because of its altitude and soil requirements. 



Lathyrus graminif elius is another species found at relatively 

 low altitudes In Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Judging from its dis- 

 tribution and. relative scarcity, it is probable that it will bo of 

 little value for erosion control or for forage. Owing to its habit, 

 however, and abundant foliage, it will be; grown in the nurseries 

 and if promising results arc obtained, will be tried in observation- 

 al plantings. 



*Vicia pulchella is one of our most promising perennial vetches. 

 It is abundant on "the' slopes and in draws in the lower yellow pine 

 belt of our mountain ranges in central Hew Mexico and Arizona. Whore 

 bushes, or rather upright plants are available for attachment, this 

 plant is a climber. Commonly, however, it trails on the ground. 



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