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:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Timber Milkvetch should be watered when the soil begins to dry at the top, usually every 2-to-3 weeks. During hot, dry weather, it may need to be watered more frequently. When watering, add water until the soil is thoroughly saturated, and then allow it to dry before watering again. Too much water can lead to root rot, so make sure that the soil has a chance to drain before watering again.

sunlight

Timber Milkvetch (Astragalus miser var. miser) is native to the US Southwest, and thrives in habitat that receives full sun during the winter months. During the spring and summer, Timber Milkvetch typically requires 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the fall, up to 8 hours of direct sunlight is optimal. Areas of partial shade during all 3 periods of the year, however, are also beneficial to the species.

pruning

Timber Milkvetch (Astragalus miser var. miser) requires pruning once a year in late winter or early spring, before buds break dormancy. Pruning should be done with the intention of opening up the center of the plant while leaving a symmetrical shape. This will help with airflow and reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations. Remove any dead, diseased, damaged, or crossing branches. Leave only healthy branches that are evenly distributed around the plant's crown. After pruning is complete, spread nutrient-rich compost around the base of the plant to encourage healthy growth.

⚠️ 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.