Astragalus crassicarpus

For years, we have tried to find an astragalus that would grow in our hot humid climate, and we are thrilled to share our first success, Astragalus crassicarpus. This odd native legume ranges from Canada south to Texas with most of its native range west of the Mississippi River. We have had very good luck with Astragalus crassicarpus in our amended full sun rock garden berms, where drainage is excellent. In spring, the deciduous clumps of glaucous, crown vetch-like, compound foliage spread to 18" wide and are adorned with short clusters of white flowers. The subsequent inflated seed pods are the size of giant marbles...very cool. Astragalus crassicarpus is also a great host for Afranius Duskywing butterflies.