Deseret Milkvetch Plant Care

Deseret Milkvetch (Astragalus desereticus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Astragalus genus. Deseret Milkvetch is native to Utah County, Utah.

Deseret Milkvetch displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Deseret Milkvetch produces small pea-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Deseret Milkvetch every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Deseret Milkvetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Astragalus desereticus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Deseret Milkvetch prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Deseret Milkvetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Deseret Milkvetch every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Deseret Milkvetch is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Deseret Milkvetch can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Deseret Milkvetch while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Deseret Milkvetch is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Deseret Milkvetch can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aragallus acutirostris plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Deseret Milkvetch is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Deseret Milkvetch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Deseret Milkvetch is native to Utah County, Utah. In cooler regions, grow Deseret Milkvetch as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.