Species Least Bladdery Milk Vetch
white-purple flowers with red-green sepals, lime stems and green leaves

Least Bladdery Milk Vetch

Astragalus microcystis

Also Known As - Dwarf Milkvetch
Least bladdery milk vetch (Astragalus microcystis) is a small perennial plant native to Western North America. It has a small, branching stem and a short densely hairy leaf that is divided into several leaflets. It has bright white flowers with a yellow center that bloom from Spring to Summer, and it produces little, round, pea-like fruits. Its stems, leaves, and fruits contain a milky sap. The plant is an important source of nutrition for cattle and wildlife. It is drought tolerant and adapted to arid, semi-arid, and open prairie areas, and can grow in clay, rocky, sandy, and disturbed soils. This species requires minimal maintenance and is a great addition to any landscape.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

The least bladdery milk vetch (Astragalus microcystis) is a drought-tolerant, perennial herb that grows in sunny, dry sites. This species requires minimal and infrequent watering. Most soil types are acceptable as long as the soil is well-drained. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. In autumn, stop watering unless the plant is in an area that receives little rain. Reduce watering even further in winter and withhold entirely during periods of extreme cold. If grown in containers, monitor the soil moisture and water as needed if the soil starts to dry out. Over-watering can cause root rot and lead to plant death.

sunlight

Least Bladdery Milk Vetch (Astragalus microcystis) is a sun-loving annual plant species and requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to be able to thrive and flower. It is best to place this species in a location that receives full sun in the morning and afternoon, with some light shade providing protection from the direct rays of the sun during the hottest midday hours. This species prefers to be grown in a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of full sun each day and should be given some afternoon shade. It is important to watch out for too much hot midday sun as this can be damaging to the foliage of this species. With the right location and adequate sunlight, Least Bladdery Milk Vetch will produce abundant flowers.

pruning

Least Bladdery Milk Vetch (Astragalus microcystis) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the plant is still dormant. Pruning should be limited to removing dead, dying, or damaged branches, and thinning out the canopy to encourage better air circulation and light penetration. Avoid excessive pruning, as it can damage the plant's root structure and lead to poor growing conditions. If necessary, add a light fertilization program to promote strong growth.