Great Plains milkvetch
Astragalus plattensis
Last reviewed: November 2026
Great Plains milkvetch (Astragalus plattensis) is a perennial forb native to CO, KS, MT, ND and 5 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Great Plains milkvetch, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
Great Plains milkvetch (Astragalus plattensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. 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 × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CO, KS, MT, ND and 5 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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low, mounding prairie legume with silvery pinnate leaves and dense spikes of violet-purple pea flowers close to the ground. It stays compact and tidy through the growing season on dry prairie soils.
Growing Great Plains milkvetch
Grow Great Plains milkvetch in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The spring flowers are worked heavily by native bees, and as a legume it fixes nitrogen that benefits surrounding prairie plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Great Plains milkvetch need?
- Great Plains milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Great Plains milkvetch bloom?
- Great Plains milkvetch blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Great Plains milkvetch native?
- Great Plains milkvetch (Astragalus plattensis) is native to CO, KS, MT, ND and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Great Plains milkvetch attract?
- Great Plains milkvetch draws bees.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Great Plains milkvetch? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.