Ground-plum
Astragalus crassicarpus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ground-plum (Astragalus crassicarpus) 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
6"–12" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AR, AZ, CO, IA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Ground-plum is a low-growing native legume that forms neat, spreading clumps with silvery-green foliage. It produces clusters of purple pea-like flowers in spring, followed by distinctive inflated seed pods that resemble small plums. This drought-tolerant perennial goes dormant in late summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ground-plum 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.
- Completely disappears during dormancy leaving bare ground
- Low growth habit may appear unkempt to HOA standards
- Short bloom period followed by long dormant phase
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and some butterflies during its spring blooming period. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
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 Ground-plum fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.