Astragalus purshii

Common Names

Pursh's Milkvetch, Woollypod Milkvetch, Pursh Milkvetch, Locoweed, Pursh's Sheep-Pod

Summary

Pursh's woollypod milkvetch is a native perennial herb in the Fabaceae that forms low mats up to about 14 cm tall, with woolly white-hairy stems and leaflets bearing fine cottony hairs 1–2.3 mm; leaves are up to 15 cm long with many oval leaflets, and inflorescences bear 1–11 flowers that are pink, rose, purple, or white, each 1–3 cm long, followed by densely woolly legume pods up to 3 cm.

Growth conditions include full sun to part shade and sandy or loamy soils; does not grow well in clay soils. Propagation by seed requires no stratification and plants are hardy to −33 °F; cultivation uses include rock gardens, restoration, and drought-tolerant landscapes, particularly on dry flats and slopes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0-5.5 inches

Spread

2-4 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3b

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun, partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, somewhat dry soil, preferably sandy or loamy; clay soils avoided

Bloom Color

White, Pink, Purple

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Grey

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies