Ground Plum, Astragalus crassicarpus

Ground plum, also called buffalo bean or buffalo pea is an attractive early-season legume that produces edible seed pods that taste like garden peas. However, some species of Astragalus are poisonous, so one should not consume without being sure of a positive identification.

Ground plum is short statured, growing to a  maximum of 12″. In the spring its flowers are a delight due to their vibrancy and the fact that they are one of the very few plants to bloom on the early spring prairie. For this reason, it is also an important pollinator plant for early emerging bees.

Life Cycle: Perennial
Size: 12″
Sun: Full
Soil: Medium-Dry, Dry
Bloom Time: May, June
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