Ground-plum
Astragalus crassicarpus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Astragalus crassicarpus (Ground-plum) is a native prairie forb blooming April through June across the Great Plains and Southwest, attracting bees and butterflies with purple flowers.
Ground-plum (Astragalus crassicarpus) 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
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.
Growing Ground-plum
Grow Ground-plum in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Astragalus crassicarpus bloom?
- Ground-plum blooms from April through June, producing purple flowers that attract native pollinators.
- Where is Astragalus crassicarpus native?
- Ground-plum is native to 18 states across the Great Plains and Southwest, including Texas, Colorado, Montana, and extending east to Wisconsin and Illinois.
- What pollinators visit Ground-plum flowers?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Astragalus crassicarpus, visiting the purple flowers for nectar during the spring and early summer bloom period.
- What growing conditions does Astragalus crassicarpus prefer?
- Ground-plum thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to prairie and semi-arid environments.
- Is Ground-plum toxic to dogs?
- Ground-plum is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Ground-plum toxic to cats?
- Ground-plum is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Ground-plum HOA-friendly?
- Ground-plum 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 Ground-plum? 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