Browse Milkvetch
Astragalus cibarius
Last reviewed: June 2026
Browse Milkvetch (Astragalus cibarius) 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
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Astragalus cibarius is a low-growing native legume that forms compact clumps with small compound leaves. It produces clusters of small flowers from May through July and thrives in sunny, dry conditions. This drought-tolerant perennial requires minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Browse Milkvetch 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.
- Very small stature may appear sparse in formal settings
- Unknown leaf retention could mean unsightly dormant periods
- Legume growth pattern may look irregular to conventional gardeners
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a legume, it also helps improve soil nitrogen for surrounding plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Browse Milkvetch need?
- Browse Milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Browse Milkvetch bloom?
- Browse Milkvetch blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Browse Milkvetch native?
- Browse Milkvetch (Astragalus cibarius) is native to CO, ID, MT, NV and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Browse Milkvetch toxic to dogs?
- Browse Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Browse Milkvetch toxic to cats?
- Browse Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Browse Milkvetch attract?
- Browse Milkvetch draws bees and beetles.
- Is Browse Milkvetch HOA-friendly?
- Browse Milkvetch 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Browse Milkvetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz