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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Widow's Milkvetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus layneae

Last reviewed: September 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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 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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