Astragalus canadensis.
Canadian Milk Vetch, also known as Rattle Weed, is a perennial wildflower native to most regions of the United States where it can often be found growing in prairies, woodlands, and alongside streams.
Plant grows to around 3 feet in height and produces spiked clusters of pale green flowers that bloom from June through August.
Flowers attract bumblebees, honeybees, and other beneficial pollinators while deer, wild turkey, groundhogs, and rabbits feed on the leaves and stems.
Typically blooms in the second year.
Canadian Milk Vetch
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained Sow Depth: 1/2 inch Plant Spacing: 18 to 24 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 10 days Bloom Time: June through August Growing Tips
Direct sow in early fall by planting seeds 1/2 inch deep (the seeds will remain dormant until spring). For an earlier spring planting, scarify the seeds by pouring hot water over them and allowing the seeds to soak for 24 hours. After soaking, cold stratify the seeds by mixing them with moist sand and storing the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 days. Seeds can then be direct sowed.
Please note that these plants does not transplant well and the seeds should not be started indoors.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.