Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch
Astragalus pectinatus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch (Astragalus pectinatus) 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
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, KS, MT, ND and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Astragalus pectinatus is a low-growing native wildflower that forms compact clumps with delicate foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial produces small flowers from May through July and thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements. Its neat, mounded growth habit makes it suitable for xeric gardens and native plant landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Narrow-Leaved 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 unstructured for most HOA standards
- Unknown leaf retention could mean untidy dormant appearance
- May be mistaken for a weed by HOA boards unfamiliar with native plants
Wildlife value
This native legume provides nectar for native bees and beetles during its extended summer blooming period. As a member of the pea family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch need?
- Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch bloom?
- Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch native?
- Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch (Astragalus pectinatus) is native to CO, KS, MT, ND and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch toxic to dogs?
- Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch toxic to cats?
- Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch attract?
- Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch draws bees and beetles.
- Is Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch HOA-friendly?
- Narrow-Leaved 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.
- 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 Narrow-Leaved Milk-Vetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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