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

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Purple|White/Cream Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Freckled Milk Vetch is a hardy perennial plant that requires well-draining, light to medium soils. It prefers full sun, and its native habitat is dry plains, open woods, and hillsides from southern Canada to Texas. Watering for this plant species should be conducted twice a week. The soil should be evenly moist, but not soggy or waterlogged. During periods of extreme heat (e.g., during the summer), water the plant 3 times a week. Additionally, reduce the frequency of watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant.

sunlight

Freckled Milk Vetch (Astragalus lentiginosus) is best suited for full sun or very light shade. The plants prefer 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day, and if shaded by trees or buildings will not grow very well. Water requirements are low, and they prefer sandy or gravel-rich soils. This plant species is very tolerant of high temperatures and drought, but growth and flowering are encouraged with regular watering during periods of dry summer weather.

pruning

Freckled Milk Vetch should be pruned lightly in early spring, before new growth begins. This will help promote bushiness and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. In late winter, remove any dead or damaged stems to make room for new spring growth. Lightly trim any overly long stems to encourage bushier growth. It is not necessary to prune for shape or size, as this plant tends to maintain its natural clumping habit without much intervention.

⚠️ 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.