Astragalus sempervirens

A Mediterranean-mountain species with a northern distribution, it is found in Veneto, in the Western Alps and along the Apennines as far as the mountains of Calabria. It is a common sight in the valleys of the National Park. Widespread in arid and rocky pastures, especially on limestone substrate, it can be found at altitudes ranging from 1,350 metres to almost 2,600 metres. It is easily recognisable, at least to the touch, as it is covered in sharp, prickly spines. 

It is a creeping, ascending species that forms dense, often hemispherical clumps. The leaves, which are paripinnate with 6–10 lanceolate, velvety leaflets, end in a spine that becomes woody and persists in subsequent years. The flowers are barely visible and are white in colour with pink streaks.