Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Livestock losses, mainly to cattle, from Astragalus miser Dougl. ex Hook. (timber milkvetch) have been reported since 1927. The species is found in the northwestern United States and also in Alberta and British Columbia. Recent taxonomic treatment distinguishes eight varieties. The most northern variety (A. miser var. serotinus (Gray) Barneby) and the most southern variety (A. miser var. oblongifolius (Rydb.) Cronq.) are the only two varieties known to cause livestock losses, but all varieties should be regarded as poisonous until it is known they are not. A. miser var. oblongifolius was controlled with 2 lb/A of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) or 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxypropionic acid (silvex). Removal of A. miser increased both cover and frequency of grass species.