Species Canadian Milk Vetch
yellow-lime flowers

Canadian Milk Vetch

Astragalus canadensis var. mortonii

Also Known As - Morton's Canadian Milkvetch
Canadian Milk Vetch (Astragalus canadensis var. mortonii) is a perennial herb of the Fabaceae family native to eastern North America. It has stems covered with short, down-like hairs and small, bright white flowers. The fruit of this plant is an inflated, hairy legume pod. Canadian Milk Vetch prefers rocky, sandy, or loam soils in meadows, prairies and open woodlands. It's popular with bees and butterflies and adds a delicate beauty to gardens. Its deep roots add nitrogen to the soil, making it a great choice for growing with other plants. This plant is hardy and requires minimal maintenance.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For optimal growth, Canadian Milk Vetch should be watered on a regular basis. The amount of water required will vary depending on the environment (soil type, temperature, wind, and other environmental factors). As a general guide, allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering periods and water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, apply 1 to 2 inches of water per week or enough to keep the soil moist. Make sure not to overwater as this can cause root rot and other issues. Provide a deep soaking in order to encourage the development of deep roots.

sunlight

Canadian Milk Vetch thrives in full sunlight, needing 8 to 10 hours per day. During the summer, when the days are longest, it tends to thrive the most. During the winter, when the days are shorter, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for strong and healthy growth during the dormancy season.

pruning

Canadian Milk Vetch should be pruned in early spring, when the plant's growth is just beginning. Pruning too early can lead to a weak and spindly plant, while pruning too late can cause unhelpful foliage growth or a bare-looking plant. Prune only a small, thin section of the canopy each most growing season, focusing on removing dead or diseased branches and removing overcrowded branches to improve the air circulation within the canopy. Avoid removing more than 1-third of the plant's branches, and prune selectively so that the plant maintains its desired shape or form.