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Astragalus canadensis
Astragalus canadensis L.
Canadian Milkvetch, Canada Milkvetch, Milk Vetch
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ASCA11
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
This stout, erect-stemmed, often branched perennial grows 1-4 ft. tall. Leaves are pinnately-compound. Many whitish to pale yellow or greenish pea flowers hanging down slightly in dense racemes atop often clustered, leafy stems.
This was the first Astragalus from North America to be scientifically described. Representative of many species with white corollas, several notoriously poisonous, Canada Milk-vetch has toxic compounds but seems not to be a serious pest.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Pinnate
Leaf Shape: Elliptic
Leaf Margin: Entire
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 4 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Flower: Flowers 6 mm
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CA , CO , CT , DC , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WYCanada: MB , ON , QC , SK
Native Distribution: S.w. Que. to Hudson Bay & B.C., s. to GA mts., TX, s.w. UT & n. CA
Native Habitat: Moist to dry prairies; stream banks; open woods
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist to mesic soils
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Hummingbirds, ButterfliesWarning: All plants in the genus Astragalus are potentially toxic to humans and animals if ingested, causing a disorder called locoism. The milk from an animal that has ingested Astragalus plants may also be toxic. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies , Hummingbirds
Larval Host: Western Tailed Blue
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Bumble Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Easily propagated by seed sown unstratified in fall or stratified in spring.Seed Collection: Collect in October. Take care to collect pods before seeds are eaten by insects.
Seed Treatment: Scarification, inoculation, and moist stratification for 10 days.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Astragalus canadensis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Astragalus canadensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Astragalus canadensis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2014-07-18Research By: TWC Staff