Thompson's woolly locoweed in the Uinta Basin

Description:

Astragalus mollissimus var. thompsoniae. The hillsides were stained with the pink-purple color of this species for several miles which were particularly vibrant as the sun was setting (it was shortly after 8PM when this picture was taken). Some of the other forbs here include Astragalus geyeri and Townsendia incana. Absent mature fruits (pods), this can be a difficult genus to in which to make plant identifications. The flower color of this species seems to be fairly consistent but among the many other characters to consider, the scapose peduncles is what convinced me of this ID compared to several other possibilities, and in light of the lack of mature pods. The pilose hairs on the forming pods are consistent with this diagnosis.These were more robust plants that I have seen compared to plants of this taxon in other parts of the state, plus they were in bloom later than expected: normally this species is among the earliest to bloom. The combination of the higher elevation plus the fact that 2011 was a "late" (delayed spring due to colder and temporarily wetter weather) is perhaps why these were in full bloom on this date in late May. They usually aren't seen growing this dense together either.May 28, 2011, Duchesne County, Utah, approx, 5,540 ft. elev.