Bent Milk-vetch
Astragalus flexuosus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bent Milk-vetch (Astragalus flexuosus) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, 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
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bent Milk-vetch fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.