How much sun does Freckled Milkvetch need?

Freckled Milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Freckled Milkvetch bloom?

Freckled Milkvetch blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Freckled Milkvetch native?

Freckled Milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Freckled Milkvetch toxic to livestock?

Freckled Milkvetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Freckled Milkvetch attract?

Freckled Milkvetch draws bees and butterflies.

Is Freckled Milkvetch HOA-friendly?

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

Freckled Milkvetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus lentiginosus

Last reviewed: July 2026

Freckled Milkvetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Freckled milkvetch is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact mounds of silvery-green foliage. It produces clusters of purple or white pea-like flowers from May through July, followed by inflated seed pods.

In an HOA neighborhood

Freckled 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.

Appears weedy and unkempt to most HOAs
Seed pods can look messy
May be confused with invasive vetches

Wildlife value

This plant attracts native bees and butterflies during its extended blooming period. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Freckled Milkvetch need?: Freckled Milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Freckled Milkvetch bloom?: Freckled Milkvetch blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Freckled Milkvetch native?: Freckled Milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Freckled Milkvetch toxic to livestock?: Freckled Milkvetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Freckled Milkvetch attract?: Freckled Milkvetch draws bees and butterflies.
Is Freckled Milkvetch HOA-friendly?: Freckled 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 Freckled Milkvetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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