About

Astragalus canadensis is a perennial plant that can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters. Its foliage consists of 15 to 35 small, oval leaflets, each measuring approximately 3 centimeters in length. The plant produces clusters of flowers resembling peas, which range in color from white to a greenish-yellow. These flowers are arranged on spikes that can extend to 15 centimeters, emerging from the leaf axils at the tips of the branching stems.

About the genus

Astragalus species can be either annual or perennial plants, characterized by typically pinnate leaves. The flowers, which resemble those of peas, may be pink, purple, yellow, or white and are borne in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Pruning
Cut back in autumn
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to pea and bean weevil
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free