Astragalus canadensis, commonly known as Canada Milkvetch, is a native perennial legume found in prairies, open woods, stream banks, and moist meadows across Illinois. It prefers well-drained soils with medium moisture and grows best in full sun to light shade.
This robust plant features compound leaves with multiple oval leaflets and produces dense, upright clusters of creamy white to pale yellow flowers from early to mid-summer. The flowers are pea-like in shape, typical of the legume family, and are followed by distinctive inflated seed pods. Canada Milkvetch can grow 2 to 4 feet tall, often forming clumps that add fullness to native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Astragalus canadensis is an excellent choice for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and erosion control along streams and slopes. As a legume, it enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting neighboring plants. Its blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while its strong root system supports soil health and resilience in naturalized landscapes.
Astragalus canadensis, commonly known as Canada Milkvetch, is a native perennial legume found in prairies, open woods, stream banks, and moist meadows across Illinois. It prefers well-drained soils with medium moisture and grows best in full sun to light shade.
This robust plant features compound leaves with multiple oval leaflets and produces dense, upright clusters of creamy white to pale yellow flowers from early to mid-summer. The flowers are pea-like in shape, typical of the legume family, and are followed by distinctive inflated seed pods. Canada Milkvetch can grow 2 to 4 feet tall, often forming clumps that add fullness to native plantings.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Astragalus canadensis is an excellent choice for prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and erosion control along streams and slopes. As a legume, it enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting neighboring plants. Its blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while its strong root system supports soil health and resilience in naturalized landscapes.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; moist meadows near rivers; moist to slightly dry black soil prairies; sand prairies; thickets; typical and sandy savannas; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 3.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: grows well with most kinds of soil
