L.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.142808
Element CodePDFAB0F1Q0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderFabales
FamilyFabaceae
GenusAstragalus
SynonymsAstragalus carolinianusL.Astragalus haleiRydb.
Other Common NamesAstragale du Canada (FR) Canadian milkvetch (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-06-19
Change Date1984-08-09
Edition Date2025-06-19
Edition AuthorsMaybury, K. (2002), rev. Johnson, J. (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsThis North American Astragalus has the largest distributional range. Astragalus canadensis is a perennial herb found throughout most of North America in a wide variety of habitats. It is rare in parts of the eastern and southeastern United States and in a few other areas, but is common in most of its range. With a large range extent, more than 2000 occurrences, abundant habitat, and broad habitat preferences, this species is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsAstragalus canadensis is found throughout much of North America except Alaska, northern Canada, northern New England and the Maritime Provinces (FNA 2023). It is rare in parts of the eastern and southeastern United States and in a few other areas, but is common in most of its range. The typical variety is especially abundant from Minnesota and Wisconsin south to Missouri and eastern Oklahoma; the other two varieties are found in the Great Basin and forested Intermountain Northwest.Range extent was estimated using herbarium specimens and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium records and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025, there are estimated to be more than 2000 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough threats are not widely documented, Astragalus canadensis is potentially threatened by development, road maintenance, invasive species, and other threats in some places. However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, tolerance of light disturbance, and affinity for typically abundant habitats.