Astragalus missouriensis
grows on dry sites on the plains and foothills. Plants are sprawling with purple-pink
flowers in clusters at the ends of stems. Fruits are plump, relatively straight
and less than 1-inch long.
Compare to Astragalus shortianus,
which grows in similar habitats. These two species are difficult to separate.
Fruits of A. shortianus are curved and more than 1-inch long. Hairs of
A. shortianus are attached at the base, while hairs of A. missouriensis
are attached in the middle of the hair. A microscope is usually needed to
see this, and the experience is often ungratifying.
