Description

Astragalus canadensis, Canada Milkvetch, Organically Grown Native Perennial Plugs, Native Wildflowers, Native Pollinator Support Plants

Astragalus canadensis: Canada Milkvetch
Attractive Flowers:
Average – Dry soil:
Average to moist soil:
Average Wildlife Value:
Beneficial Insects:
Butterflies:
Drought Tolerant:
Drought tolerant:
Dry-Moist Soil:
Full – Part Sun (6+ hours of sun):
Herbaceous plant:
Hummingbirds:
Moist Soil:
Native To Mountain Regions:
Native to Piedmont Regions:
Part Sun – Part Shade :
Perennial:
Pollinator support:
Sandy soil, coarse texture:
Songbirds:
Status not yet determined- :
Threatened / Endangered:
Full Sun:

This stout, erect-stemmed, often branched perennial grows 1-4 ft. tall. Leaves are pinnately-compound. Many whitish to pale yellow or greenish pea flowers hanging down slightly in dense racemes atop often clustered, leafy stems.

This was the first Astragalus from North America to be scientifically described. Representative of many species with white corollas, several notoriously poisonous, Canada Milk-vetch has toxic compounds but seems not to be a serious pest.

Benefit
Use Wildlife: Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Warning: All plants in the genus Astragalus are potentially toxic to humans and animals if ingested, causing a disorder called locoism. The milk from an animal that has ingested Astragalus plants may also be toxic. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies , Hummingbirds
Larval Host: Western Tailed Blue
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees

Astragalus canadensis, Canada Milkvetch, Organically Grown Native Perennial Plugs, Native Wildflowers, Native Pollinator Support Plants