Canada Milk Vetch (Astragalus canadensis)

Canada Milk Vetch (Astragalus canadensis)

Canada Milk Vetch sits in a sweet spot where it's wild enough to feel special or unique, but familiar enough to feel usable in more manicured/traditional home gardens. The flowers have a softness and fullness that allow your eyes to rest among more saturated or attention-grabbing flowers. It plays a supporting role and its loose, natural character help fill in a garden bed without making it overly stuffy. It's a favorite among bumblebees and as low maintenance as they come! After flowering, it develops long, curved seed pods that add another layer of interest and extend its season visually.

Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Medium, well-drained
Height: 3–5 feet
Spread: 2–3 feet, clump-forming
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: June through July

Wildlife Value

Canada Milk Vetch supports native bees and other pollinators and serves as a host plant for sulphur butterflies. Like other legumes, it also helps improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, quietly benefiting neighboring plants.

Blooms Alongside

Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum), Common Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Stiff Goldenrod (Oligoneruon rigidum)

For more information, please check out our sizes, pricing and ordering page.