Pursh Milk-Vetch
Astragalus purshii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Pursh Milk-Vetch (Astragalus purshii) 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.
Pursh Milk-Vetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Pursh's milkvetch is a low-growing native wildflower that forms compact mounds with silvery-green foliage and purple pea-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms from May through July and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established. It's well-suited for rock gardens, xeric landscapes, and naturalized areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pursh 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 formal landscapes
- May look sparse or weedy to conventional gardeners
- Unknown leaf retention could mean untidy dormant appearance
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the spring and summer blooming period. As a legume, it also helps improve soil nitrogen for surrounding plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pursh Milk-Vetch need?
- Pursh Milk-Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Pursh Milk-Vetch bloom?
- Pursh Milk-Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Pursh Milk-Vetch native?
- Pursh Milk-Vetch (Astragalus purshii) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Pursh Milk-Vetch toxic to dogs?
- Pursh Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Pursh Milk-Vetch toxic to cats?
- Pursh Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Pursh Milk-Vetch toxic to livestock?
- Pursh Milk-Vetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Pursh Milk-Vetch attract?
- Pursh Milk-Vetch draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Pursh Milk-Vetch HOA-friendly?
- Pursh 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 Pursh Milk-Vetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.