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 AR, AZ, CA, CO and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 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

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 7 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Madrean Archipelago 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 AR, AZ, CA, CO and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Texas-pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz