Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Spring Wildflowers

Chris Grondahl photo: Milkvetch spp.
Chris Grondahl Milkvetch spp.
(Astragalus spp.)
Distribution: statewide, more common in west
Habitat: prairies, pastures and ditches
Flowers: reddish purple, occasionally white in color, arranged in elongated clumps
Height: up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet across
Blooms: mid-May to late June
Family name: Legume (Fabaceae)
Plant uses and other interesting facts: There are 4-6 species of milkvetch that are quite similar in appearance. They all have similar leaf patterns and flowers as described above.

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