Species Don Meadow Milk Vetch
purple-blue flowers, green leaves and stems

Don Meadow Milk Vetch

Astragalus agrestis

Also Known As - Purple Milkvetch
Don Meadow Milk Vetch (Astragalus agrestis) is a perennial herb found across Europe. It grows approximately 20-40 cm high with a shallow, woody rootstock. The stems are simple or branched and sparsely pubescent. Its leaves are small and oblong. Each plant produces a small, compact, glandular inflorescence of mostly bright yellow flowers. Don Meadow Milk Vetch is found in moist meadows and streamsides, preferring well-drained, fresh to slightly alkaline soils with high mineral content. This species is a valuable forage plant for the wild pollinators as it provides a major pollen and nectar source. An important component of biodiversity, it is beneficial to humans and other species.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Don Meadow Milk Vetch prefers to be kept in moist soil, so it should be watered every 2-3 days during its active growing season. It should be watered lightly, but enough that the soil is slightly damp to the touch. During the summer months, water should be given more frequently, especially during periods of hot and dry weather. During its dormant season, this plant should usually not need any watering unless the soil becomes very dry.

sunlight

Don Meadow Milk Vetch grows best in full sunlight and requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The intensity of the sunlight should not be too intense, as this plant is sensitive to too much light. A location with partial shade throughout the day is ideal. Don Meadow Milk Vetch can really thrive in late afternoon or early morning sun when temperatures are slightly cooler. It does best when planted in well-drained soils that are not too nutrient-rich.

pruning

Don Meadow Milk Vetch (Astragalus agrestis) should be pruned shortly after bloom in late spring to early summer. Prune away any dead or damaged stems, and cut back the main stems of the plant by 1/3. This will help encourage new blooms in the next growing season. Avoid pruning in the late summer or early fall, as this will reduce the chances of new growth in the following year.