Peck’s Milkvetch – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Overview

Species Common Name Peck's Milkvetch
Species Scientific Name Astragalus peckii
State Listing Status Threatened

Ecoregions

Blue Mountains

Located in NE Oregon, the Blue Mountains ecoregion is the largest ecoregion in the state. It provides a diverse complex of mountain ranges, valleys, and plateaus that extend beyond Oregon into the states of Idaho and Washington.

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains’ summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

Special needs

Peck's milkvetch generally prefers open habitat, though this species may be associated with pine, juniper, or bitterbrush communities. Peck's milkvetch occurs in sandy soils, generally at 3000-5000 feet in elevation.

Limiting factors

This species persists in a small number of populations and is limited to Deschutes and Klamath Counties. Illegal off-road vehicle use may be the greatest threat to Peck's milkvetch.

Data gaps

Conduct pollinator biology studies. Evaluate plant response to disturbances.

Conservation actions

Identify and protect known sites of occurrence.

Key reference or plan

Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Conservation