Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch
Astragalus laxmannii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch (Astragalus laxmannii) 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 × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, IA, ID, MN and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Laxmann's milkvetch is a low-growing native legume that forms compact 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
Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch 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.
- Looks very wild and weedy to most homeowners
- Small stature makes it appear unmaintained
- Seed pods and winter dormancy period create messy appearance
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring and summer blooming period. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch need?
- Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch bloom?
- Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch native?
- Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch (Astragalus laxmannii) is native to CO, IA, ID, MN and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch toxic to dogs?
- Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch toxic to cats?
- Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch attract?
- Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch draws bees and beetles.
- Is Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch HOA-friendly?
- Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch 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 Laxmann'S Milk-Vetch? 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