Widow's Milkvetch
Astragalus layneae
Last reviewed: June 2026
Widow's Milkvetch (Astragalus layneae) 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
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, NV
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Widow's milkvetch is a compact native perennial that forms low, neat mounds in desert gardens. This drought-tolerant plant produces clusters of small flowers from March through May and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Widow's 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.
- Very uncommon in residential landscapes
- May appear weedy to unfamiliar observers
- Seasonal dormancy creates bare patches
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract native bees and other beneficial pollinators. As a member of the legume family, it also helps improve soil nitrogen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Widow's Milkvetch need?
- Widow's Milkvetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Widow's Milkvetch bloom?
- Widow's Milkvetch blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Widow's Milkvetch native?
- Widow's Milkvetch (Astragalus layneae) is native to AZ, CA, NV, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Widow's Milkvetch toxic to dogs?
- Widow's Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Widow's Milkvetch toxic to cats?
- Widow's Milkvetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Widow's Milkvetch attract?
- Widow's Milkvetch draws bees.
- Is Widow's Milkvetch HOA-friendly?
- Widow's 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 Widow's Milkvetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.