Species Canada Milk-Vetch
green leaves, stems, white-green flowers and pink-green buds

Canada Milk-Vetch

Astragalus canadensis var. canadensis

Canada Milk-Vetch is an annual herbaceous plant species in the Fabaceae family. It typically grows up to 40cm in height and is easily recognizable due to its distinctive flower, which appears between May and July. The flower is a bright yellow with white veins, and it can form dense mats of foliage. This species requires part shade to partial sun and grow best in moist, well-drained soils. It is a great choice for wildlife habitat, enhancing soil fertility, improving forage availability, and providing important nutrients to livestock grazing in the area. Canada Milk-Vetch is also used medicinally, traditionally being used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Watering Weiser's Milk Vetch should be done on an as-needed basis. The frequency of watering will depend on soil type, weather conditions and the plant's individual needs. In general, a good general rule is to only water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch; check by sticking your fingers into the soil. It is best to water deeply and thoroughly in order to encourage the plant’s roots to grow down into the deeper soil. If you have sandy soil, then you may need to water more frequently, whereas the opposite is true for heavier clay soils. Take care not to over-water, however, as it can lead to root rot and other problems.

sunlight

Weiser's Milk Vetch is a semi-shade tolerant species that prefers dappled shade throughout the day. It can tolerate long periods of direct sunlight, particularly in the morning hours, but should be given some protection from afternoon sun to avoid burn or getting dried out too quickly. It should get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth, and some morning sunlight is preferred.

pruning

Weiser's Milk Vetch is best pruned in late spring once the initial growth of the season has started. Pruning should be done lightly in order to encourage a more bushy habit as well as to remove dead and damaged growth. A light pruning should consist of removing no more than 1/3 of the plant's overall size and should mainly focus on removing any dead or damaged stems. Pruning should also target any crossing branches that might impede air flow within the plant. This perennial plant should also be deadheaded, or have spent blooms removed, to help control its size as well as prevent it from seeding, which can help maintain a neat appearance.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.