Species Missouri Milk Vetch
purple-white flowers with purple-pink buds, and light-green stems

Missouri Milk Vetch

Astragalus missouriensis var. missouriensis

Missouri Milk Vetch (Astragalus missouriensis var. missouriensis) is an endangered perennial plant native to the Great Plains of North America. It grows best in dry, limey soils and is covered in clusters of violet-purple pea-like flowers in the spring. The edible root of this legume species is packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. Missouri Milk Vetch is a hardy species that is a great addition to any garden or prairie land. The love and care it needs to thrive is worth the effort to protect this threatened species.

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 Missouri Milk Vetch, watering should be done regularly but in moderation. During its active growth period (April-August), the plant should be watered 1-2 times a week, and each watering should be deep enough that the top 3-4 inches of soil is damp. During the dormant period (September-March), when the plant is not actively growing, it should only be watered 1-2 times per month, or when there is a prolonged period of hot or dry weather. Ensure that proper drainage is available, as this plant does not tolerate "wet feet" and can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

sunlight

Missouri Milk Vetch thrives in direct sunlight and prefers 6-8 hours of sun per day. It grows best when planted in full sun for the majority of the day, with afternoon shade or filtered sunlight during the hottest time of the day. It can tolerate partial shade, but will not flower as well. It is best to give the plant as much sun as possible during the morning and mid-day hours, and then provide some respite from the heat and light in the afternoon shadows and filtered sun.

pruning

Pruning of Missouri Milk Vetch (Astragalus missouriensis var. missouriensis) should take place during the fall when the leaves and stems of the plant have become dry and brittle. Pruning should be moderate and kept to around 1/3 of the original height. It is important to snip off the dry, brittle stems and leave the new growth at the base and tip. When possible, prune away all deteriorating, diseased, or dead stems. Pruning at this time of the year will encourage new growth in the spring.