Utah Milkvetch
Astragalus utahensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Utah Milkvetch (Astragalus utahensis) 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 × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ID, NV, UT, WY
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Utah milkvetch is a compact native wildflower that forms neat, low mounds of silvery-green foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial produces clusters of small pea-like flowers in shades of purple or white during late spring and summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Utah Milkvetch 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.
- May look weedy or unkempt to conventional gardeners
- Unknown leaf retention could mean messy dormant appearance
- Wildflower appearance conflicts with formal landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its extended bloom period from May through July. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Utah Milkvetch need?
- Utah Milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Utah Milkvetch bloom?
- Utah Milkvetch blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Utah Milkvetch native?
- Utah Milkvetch (Astragalus utahensis) is native to ID, NV, UT, WY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Utah Milkvetch toxic to dogs?
- Utah Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Utah Milkvetch toxic to cats?
- Utah Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Utah Milkvetch attract?
- Utah Milkvetch draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Utah Milkvetch HOA-friendly?
- Utah Milkvetch 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 Utah Milkvetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz