Alpine Milk Vetch

Astragalus alpinus var. brunetianus

Alpine Milk Vetch (Astragalus alpinus var. brunetianus) is a delicate flower native to alpine meadows in the Rocky Mountains that is now often found in various habitats across much of the western United States and Canada. The coat of small purple flowers covers the entire plant, making a stunning backdrop of color when seen from afar. Its densely branched stems are frequently matted with thick, wooly fibers close to the ground. The rich, nutritious nectar of the Alpine Milk Vetch is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant is becoming increasingly rare due to habitat loss and over-collection, making it important to protect remaining populations.