Astragalus agrestis, commonly known as purple milkvetch, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and sagebrush steppe in western and northern North America, as well as eastern Asia. It thrives in vernally moist areas, often in meadows or along streambanks, where the soil is well-drained. Typically, this species reaches up to 12 inches in height and features a slender but sturdy stem. The leaves are pinnately compound with several pairs of oval to lance-shaped leaflets arranged alternately along the stem. From May to August, it produces an inflorescence consisting of a cluster of up to 15 flowers, which are notable for their purple or pink tint. Following flowering, the plant forms a distinctive dark-colored, hairy legume pod.

Purple milkvetch is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility, and for its attractive flowers which can add color to naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens. It is also used in restoration projects to stabilize soils and promote biodiversity. In cultivation, purple milkvetch requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun to partial shade and tolerating a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. There are no widely known popular garden cultivars of this species, and it is not typically associated with aggressive roots or invasiveness when grown within its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0