How much sun does Bent Milk-vetch need?

Bent Milk-vetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bent Milk-vetch bloom?

Bent Milk-vetch blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Bent Milk-vetch native?

Bent Milk-vetch (Astragalus flexuosus) is native to AZ, CO, IA, MN and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Bent Milk-vetch attract?

Bent Milk-vetch draws bees and butterflies.

Is Bent Milk-vetch HOA-friendly?

Bent Milk-vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bent Milk-vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus flexuosus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bent Milk-vetch (Astragalus flexuosus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, IA, MN and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains

Flexible milkvetch is a low-growing native legume with delicate compound leaves and small clusters of cream to pale yellow flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial forms compact mounds and blooms reliably through late spring and summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bent Milk-vetch takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Small flowers and fine foliage can appear weedy to conventional standards
May look sparse or unkempt compared to traditional landscaping
Unfamiliar plant that most HOAs would not recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its extended bloom period. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Bent Milk-vetch need?: Bent Milk-vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bent Milk-vetch bloom?: Bent Milk-vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Bent Milk-vetch native?: Bent Milk-vetch (Astragalus flexuosus) is native to AZ, CO, IA, MN and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Bent Milk-vetch toxic to dogs?: Bent Milk-vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Bent Milk-vetch toxic to cats?: Bent Milk-vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Bent Milk-vetch attract?: Bent Milk-vetch draws bees and butterflies.
Is Bent Milk-vetch HOA-friendly?: Bent Milk-vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bent Milk-vetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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