How much sun does Geyer's Milkvetch need?

Geyer's Milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Geyer's Milkvetch bloom?

Geyer's Milkvetch blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Geyer's Milkvetch native?

Geyer's Milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Geyer's Milkvetch HOA-friendly?

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

Geyer's Milkvetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus geyeri

Last reviewed: September 2026

Geyer's Milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri) 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

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Great Plains

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

In an HOA neighborhood

Geyer's 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 too wild and informal for typical HOA standards
Unknown leaf retention may create seasonal appearance issues
Wildflower appearance conflicts with manicured landscape expectations

Wildlife value

This plant is valuable for native bees and other pollinators during its extended bloom period. The seeds may also provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Geyer's Milkvetch need?: Geyer's Milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Geyer's Milkvetch bloom?: Geyer's Milkvetch blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Geyer's Milkvetch native?: Geyer's Milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Geyer's Milkvetch toxic to dogs?: Geyer's Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Geyer's Milkvetch toxic to cats?: Geyer's Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Geyer's Milkvetch attract?: Geyer's Milkvetch draws bees.
Is Geyer's Milkvetch HOA-friendly?: Geyer's 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Geyer's Milkvetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz