Species Slender Milk-Vetch
purple-white flowers, brown buds, green sepals, on a green stem

Slender Milk-Vetch

Astragalus gracilis

Slender Milk-Vetch is a small plant species that grows widely in the western United States. It produces small yellow flowers in summer. The plant has blue-green, long, narrow leaves that curl up slightly along the edges. It grows in well-drained soil in dry, sunny locations, such as rocky hillsides and steep slopes. It can be planted in containers and used as an ornamental, but animals may sometimes feed on it. Slender Milk-Vetch is an important source of food for pollinators, like bees. It is also a valuable species for soil health and erosion control.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

When it comes to watering Threeleaf Milkvetch (Astragalus gilviflorus var. gilviflorus), it is important to strike a balance between too much and too little. Too much water can saturate the soil, leading to root rot and eventually the death of the plant, while too little water can cause the leaves to droop and wither. The plant should be watered deeply and only when the top inch or 2 of soil feels dry. During active growth, water once a week, allowing the soil to dry between watering cycles to ensure proper drainage and oxygenation of the roots. During the winter, when growth has slowed, water once every 2 weeks. A layer of mulch can help keep the soil moist and slow the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the soil.

sunlight

Threeleaf Milkvetch (Astragalus gilviflorus var. gilviflorus) is a perennial plant that needs plenty of direct sunlight. It should be exposed to at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. To ensure optimal health and growth, it is beneficial to provide as much direct sunlight as possible. As long as the plant receives adequate sunlight, it can withstand hot conditions and some drought without any issues. In any case, the plant should be kept away from direct winds and moderate temperatures to ensure best results.

pruning

Threeleaf Milkvetch should be pruned in early spring, when the weather starts to warm up. Pruning should only be done lightly, removing no more than 1/3 of the plant's overall growth. This species of Milkvetch benefits from removing long, woody stems that lack flowering potential. Pruning should be done carefully and at the correct time to avoid influencing the naturally flowering tendencies of this beautiful native plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

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