Hairy milkvetch Plant Care

Hairy milkvetch (Astragalus trichopodus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Astragalus genus. Hairy milkvetch is native to southern California and Baja California. Hairy milkvetch is also known as Coastal loco, Astragalus capillipes, Astragalus trichopodus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hairy 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.

Hairy milkvetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Astragalus trichopodus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Hairy milkvetch prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Hairy 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.

Hairy 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.

Hairy 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 Hairy 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.

Hairy 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.

Hairy 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.

Hairy 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.

Hairy milkvetch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hairy milkvetch is native to southern California and Baja California. In cooler regions, grow Hairy milkvetch as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.