Canada Milk-vetch
Astragalus canadensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Canada Milk-vetch (Astragalus canadensis) 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"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 37 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Canada milk-vetch is a native legume that forms upright clumps with delicate compound leaves and spikes of cream-colored flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms from May through July and goes dormant in winter. It's well-suited for sunny, low-water gardens where it can naturalize over time.
In an HOA neighborhood
Canada 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.
- Can appear weedy or wild to conventional tastes
- May spread beyond intended boundaries
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the long summer bloom period. As a legume, it also helps improve soil nitrogen for neighboring 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 Canada Milk-vetch fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.