How much sun does Lotus Milk-vetch need?

Lotus Milk-vetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Lotus Milk-vetch bloom?

Lotus Milk-vetch blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Lotus Milk-vetch native?

Lotus Milk-vetch (Astragalus lotiflorus) is native to CO, IA, KS, MN and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Lotus Milk-vetch HOA-friendly?

Lotus 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.

Lotus Milk-vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus lotiflorus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Lotus Milk-vetch (Astragalus lotiflorus) 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"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, IA, KS, MN and 9 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests

Lotus milk-vetch is a low-growing native wildflower with silvery-green foliage and clusters of small yellow or cream flowers in late spring and summer. This drought-tolerant perennial forms compact mounds that work well in rock gardens or naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lotus 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.

Appears too wild and weedy for formal landscapes
Small size makes it look like a weed rather than intentional planting
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and other pollinators during its blooming period from May through July.

Common questions

How much sun does Lotus Milk-vetch need?: Lotus Milk-vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Lotus Milk-vetch bloom?: Lotus Milk-vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Lotus Milk-vetch native?: Lotus Milk-vetch (Astragalus lotiflorus) is native to CO, IA, KS, MN and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Lotus Milk-vetch toxic to dogs?: Lotus Milk-vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Lotus Milk-vetch toxic to cats?: Lotus Milk-vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Lotus Milk-vetch attract?: Lotus Milk-vetch draws bees.
Is Lotus Milk-vetch HOA-friendly?: Lotus 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

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