How much sun does Texas-pea need?

Texas-pea grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Texas-pea bloom?

Texas-pea blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Texas-pea native?

Texas-pea (Astragalus nuttallianus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Texas-pea HOA-friendly?

Texas-pea takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Texas-pea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus nuttallianus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Texas-pea (Astragalus nuttallianus) 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"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Texas-pea is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small pea-like blooms in spring. This compact native plant thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements.

In an HOA neighborhood

Texas-pea takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die back
Small stature may appear weedy in formal settings
Unknown dormancy appearance creates maintenance uncertainty

Wildlife value

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees during its spring blooming period from March through May.

Common questions

How much sun does Texas-pea need?: Texas-pea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Texas-pea bloom?: Texas-pea blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Texas-pea native?: Texas-pea (Astragalus nuttallianus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Texas-pea toxic to dogs?: Texas-pea is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Texas-pea toxic to cats?: Texas-pea is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Texas-pea attract?: Texas-pea draws bees.
Is Texas-pea HOA-friendly?: Texas-pea 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 Texas-pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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