The plant is found throughout Canada and the United States in many habitats including wetlands, woodlands, and prairies.

Like other Astragalus species, A. canadensis is somewhat toxic, but it has been used medicinally by Native American groups such as the Blackfoot and Lakota people, particularly the roots.

[3] The perennial plant has a tap toot and several thin, erect, green stems.

Deer, rabbits, and groundhogs can eat the leaves, unlike other species in the Astragalus genus.

[7] Astragalus canadensis is usually found naturally in moist prairies, open woodlands, roadsides, thickets, and streambanks in most United States and parts of Canada.

Some states have a S1 status (very endangered) including Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.