Nearly all the species are colorful and spectacular when in blossom, but some of them have a rank, disagreeable odor.
44. POISONVETCH Pea Family _Astragalus sabulonum_
This showy species of Astragalus is locally called Rattleweed because, when it is in fruit, its large, bladder-like, thin-walled pods become very brittle and give a distinct rattling sound when shaken. The pods are about one and a half inches long and heavily mottled reddish-brown in color.
The genus of Astragalus has been divided into three groups: Loco, Milkvetch and Poisonvetch. The species poisonous to livestock are commonly called Loco Weeds.
45. NEW MEXICO LOCUST Pea Family _Robinia neomexicana_
This shrub or small tree is fairly common in Zion Canyon. It was probably brought in by the early settlers. Its large, showy flower grows in clusters at the ends of slender branches. The blooming season is during May and June.
The tree is very thorny and has the habit of sprouting from roots or stumps and of forming dense thickets which are valuable in controlling erosion. The foliage serves as food for browsing animals, especially the deer.
46. DESERTBEAUTY DALEA Pea Family _Dalea johnsoni_
Sometimes confused with the Desert Sage or more commonly called the Purple Sage, which it resembles to some extent, this small shrub with light-gray bark, small, gray-green leaves and terminal spikes of brilliant-purple flowers is one of the most pleasing sights in early summer.
In Zion it is found mostly in the Coalpits Wash and Shunes Creek areas and blooms generally during May. Desertbeauty is a close relative of the “Smoke Tree” of the Desert.
47. FREMONT GERANIUM Geranium Family _Geranium fremontii_
This beautiful, midsummer-blooming plant, growing about two feet high, is common on the plateaus and in the cool canyons.
The pink, veined petals, deeply lobed leaves and characteristic geranium odor help identify this plant. Some species have white flowers, but they are not common in this area. The flowers are perfect with five sepals, five petals, and five to ten stamens. The fruit is a long capsule and has given rise to the common name Cranesbill.
Cultivated Geraniums are really Pelargoniums from South Africa.
48. ALFILERIA Geranium Family _Erodium cicutarium_