Species Curved-Pod Astragalus
yellow-green pods, stems, gray-brown twigs and branches

Curved-Pod Astragalus

Astragalus curvicarpus

The Curved-Pod Astragalus (Astragalus curvicarpus) is a member of the milk vetch genus, and is found in alpine and subalpine meadows throughout western North America. It grows up to 15 inches tall and is covered in narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Its bright yellow, newly-opened flowers can be seen from a distance. Its pods are unique, curved and egg-shaped, making them easily identifiable. This plant is an important food source for a variety of pollinators, as well as for many of the native bird species found in the area. It's a hardy species, capable of surviving in difficult growing conditions.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hillside Milkvetch is a drought tolerant, low-maintenance, flowering perennial that prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil in a location with full sun. It should be watered regularly during the growing season. In late spring through early summer, water deeply once each week. During the hottest months reduce the water to once every 2 weeks. Toward fall, reduce the watering to once a month. In winter, when the plant is dormant, no watering is needed.

sunlight

Hillside Milkvetch thrives best in full sun. During the spring and summer months, this plant species needs 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. During the fall and winter, Hillside Milkvetch can still thrive with at least 4-6 hours of daily sunlight. It's important to note that winter sunlight is typically lower in intensity, so the plant will need supplemental lighting or shade if kept indoors.

pruning

Pruning of Hillside Milkvetch (Astragalus collinus) can be done in early spring to help stimulate growth and promote better flowering. The plants should be pruned to around 5 inches and should be cut back to the new growth. It is important to remove spent flower stems and any dead or diseased wood to keep the plant healthy. It is recommended to prune only a third of the total stem length, and not to prune too deeply. Doing so may cause damage to the plants and can also reduce flowering. Pruning can be done using pruning shears or pruning saws, but be aware that the stems may snap off rather than cut nicely. In addition, pruning should be done sparingly, as too much pruning can kill off the plant. It is also important not to prune the plant in the fall or late summer as this could cause the plant to not survive the winter, or cause weak flower production.

Propagation

Season

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

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