Shivwits Milkvetch
This rare milkvetch occupies scattered patches of unusual clay soil in southwestern Utah, where development and invasive plants compress an already tiny range.
Artwork inspired by Florence Ware
Shivwits Milkvetch is a short-lived perennial in the pea family, adapted to particular clay-rich soils derived from the Chinle Formation. Small populations occur in Washington County, where roads, development, invasive plants, and altered fire threaten habitat.
Photograph the whole plant, leaves, flowers, and surrounding soil from an existing route; do not dig, collect seed, or trample nearby crust while trying for a closer image. Remain on authorized routes around Chinle clay habitat and photograph without crossing bare-looking biological crust. Use authorized trails in Washington County during April or May; never leave a trail to confirm a rare plant.
- Range
- Washington County only
- Family
- Pea family
- Status
- Federally endangered
Quick guide
- Form
- Low clumps rather than tall flower spikes
- Flower
- Pale pea-shaped blooms in spring
Recognize Shivwits Milkvetch without crossing biological crust
- Frame the whole clump
- From an authorized Washington County route, photograph the low plant, pale pea-shaped flowers, purple-tinged stems, and leaves in one view.
- Add fruit and leaf evidence
- When visible from the route, record leaf arrangement and developing inflated pods without touching them.
- Show the Chinle substrate
- Include the specific clay-rich Chinle-derived soil and surrounding desert scrub in an April or May record.
- Protect plant and location
- Never leave the authorized route, cross biological crust, collect flowers or seed, or publish exact coordinates for this federally endangered Washington County endemic.
Good to know
Rare-plant locations can be sensitive and land ownership complex. A broad locality is sufficient for learning; do not publish coordinates, create social trails, or assume a bare clay patch is durable ground.
Notice these
- Pale pea flowers
- Purple-tinged stems
- Chinle clay habitat