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Geyer's Milkvetch

Astragalus geyeri

Last reviewed: June 2026

Geyer's Milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri)
Photo: Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 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 Geyer's 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