RATTLEPOD   Astragalus trichopodus ssp lonchus FABACEAE (Pea  Family) Coast Locoweed, Rattlepod		The endangered Palos Verdes Blue butterfly lays it's eggs on this plant and their larva feed on the seeds within the pods.  The plants in this genus are commonly called locoweeds because poisonous alkaloids are produced within the plant which can cause "loco" or crazy behavior in animals that graze on it.
HABITAT: Grassland/ coastal sage scrub. DISTRIBUTION: Palos Verdes Peninsula/ Southern California  GROWTH HABIT: Short lived perennial SIZE: 2' high 2' wide EXPOSURE: Full sun.          Rattlepod is a short lived perennial with pinnately divided leaves.  White pea flowers are followed by papery inflated pods in which the small seed rattles about if it is shaken.