How much sun does Southern California milk vetch need?

Southern California milk vetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Southern California milk vetch bloom?

Southern California milk vetch blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Southern California milk vetch native?

Southern California milk vetch (Astragalus trichopodus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Southern California milk vetch attract?

Southern California milk vetch draws native bees and bumble bees.

Southern California milk vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus trichopodus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Southern California milk vetch (Astragalus trichopodus) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw native bees and bumble bees.

Toxicity unknown

Southern California milk vetch (Astragalus trichopodus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

native bees, bumble bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A sprawling perennial with silvery, finely divided leaves and loose spikes of small cream and purple pea flowers. It grows on coastal bluffs and open slopes, spreading loosely over the ground.

Growing Southern California milk vetch

Grow Southern California milk vetch in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its pea-shaped flowers are pollinated primarily by bumble bees and other native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Southern California milk vetch need?: Southern California milk vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Southern California milk vetch bloom?: Southern California milk vetch blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Southern California milk vetch native?: Southern California milk vetch (Astragalus trichopodus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Southern California milk vetch attract?: Southern California milk vetch draws native bees and bumble bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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