Species Santa Barbara Milkvetch
yellow flowers, yellow-lime pods, green leaves and stems

Santa Barbara Milkvetch

Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus

Santa Barbara Milkvetch (Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus) is a perennial forbs endemic to the Santa Ynez Mountains and chaparral of California. It has branched stems, narrow, gray-green pinnately divided leaves, and clusters of light purplish-pink flowers. It generally grows to about 30-60 cm high. It blooms between late spring to early summer; pollinated by native wild bees and butterflies. It is commonly found on foothills of mountains, near oak woodlands and grasslands. It is considered vulnerable to extinction due to increasing fragmentations of habitats. Conservation efforts and protection of remaining habitats by the authorities will help protect this species.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Santa Barbara Milkvetch plants regularly and deeply, but avoid over-watering. This species of plant is drought tolerant, so opt for occasional, deeper waterings rather than frequent, shallow ones. Aim to water newly planted Milkvetch twice a week for the first 2 months, then you can adjust to 1-2 times per month depending on the soil and climate conditions. As the plant gets established, it will become less reliant on frequent water. If the climate is particularly dry, you may need to water more frequently. In the hot summer months, Santa Barbara Milkvetch may need to be watered twice per month or more.

sunlight

The Santa Barbara milkvetch (Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus) typically grows in full sun or partial shade. For optimum growth, the species should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This species is not very tolerant of full shade and will not grow if deprived of sunlight. Thus, it is advisable to provide the plant with bright sunlight, especially during the growing season, in order to maximize its health and growth.

pruning

Pruning Santa Barbara Milkvetch (Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus) should occur twice yearly, in early spring and late summer. Pruning in spring should be done lightly, focusing on only 1 or 2 stems at a time. In late summer, the plant should be cut back by 1-third and all dead or damaged stems should be removed. Pruning in late summer helps keep the plant compact and promotes healthy growth the following year. However, it is important to avoid excessive cutting, as this can cause physical stress on the plant.