Morton’s Canadian Milkvetch: A Lesser-Known Native Gem Worth Discovering
If you’ve never heard of Morton’s Canadian milkvetch, you’re not alone! This native North American perennial, scientifically known as Astragalus canadensis var. mortonii, is one of those delightfully under-the-radar plants that deserves more attention from native plant enthusiasts.
What’s in a Name?
Morton’s Canadian milkvetch gets its common name from its Canadian heritage and its association with the botanist who first described this particular variety. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonym, Astragalus mortonii Nutt., in older botanical references.
Where Does It Call Home?
This hardy perennial is native to both Canada and the lower 48 states, with its natural range spanning across the Pacific Northwest and northern regions. You’ll find Morton’s Canadian milkvetch growing wild in British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Why Consider Morton’s Canadian Milkvetch for Your Garden?
As a native plant enthusiast, you’re probably wondering what makes this milkvetch special enough to earn a spot in your landscape. Here’s what we know:
- True native status: This plant evolved alongside local ecosystems, making it naturally adapted to regional conditions
- Perennial reliability: Once established, this long-lived perennial will return year after year
- Regional adaptation: Well-suited to the growing conditions of the Pacific Northwest and northern mountain regions
- Low-maintenance potential: As with many native plants, it likely requires less water and care than non-native alternatives once established
The Challenge: Limited Information
Here’s where things get a bit tricky—and honestly, kind of exciting if you’re the adventurous type! Morton’s Canadian milkvetch is one of those native plants that hasn’t received much attention in popular gardening circles. This means specific information about its appearance, exact growing requirements, and garden performance is quite limited.
What we don’t currently know includes details about its mature size, specific growing conditions, hardiness zones, and wildlife benefits. This lack of readily available information might be frustrating, but it also presents an opportunity for curious gardeners to become citizen scientists!
Should You Plant It?
If you’re gardening in the Pacific Northwest or northern mountain regions where this plant naturally occurs, Morton’s Canadian milkvetch could be worth seeking out—with a few caveats:
- Source responsibly: Only obtain plants or seeds from reputable native plant nurseries or seed companies
- Start small: Try it in a limited area first to observe its growth habits and requirements
- Document your experience: Keep notes about its performance, which could help other native plant enthusiasts
- Connect with experts: Reach out to local native plant societies, botanical gardens, or extension offices for region-specific advice
Growing Tips (Based on General Milkvetch Knowledge)
While specific information about Morton’s Canadian milkvetch is limited, we can make some educated guesses based on related milkvetch species:
- Likely prefers well-drained soils
- Probably tolerates drought once established
- May benefit from full sun to partial shade
- Could be suitable for naturalized areas or native plant gardens
The Bottom Line
Morton’s Canadian milkvetch represents both the excitement and challenge of native plant gardening. While it’s a legitimate native species with potential garden value, the limited available information means you’ll be somewhat pioneering if you choose to grow it.
If you’re an experienced native plant gardener looking for something truly unique, or if you live within its natural range and want to support local biodiversity, this could be an intriguing addition to your landscape. Just be prepared to do a bit of detective work and possibly share your discoveries with the broader native plant community!
For gardeners seeking well-documented alternatives, consider looking into other native milkvetch species or legumes that are better studied and more readily available in the nursery trade.
