Canada milk-vetch is a long-lived native perennial that forms upright clumps with pinnate leaves and dense spikes of creamy white to pale yellow flowers in early to mid-summer. Its elongated seed pods that turn papery with age are a distinguishing feature later in the season. It is most often found in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides. While not considered aggressive, it can spread by seed in suitable conditions, making it appropriate for larger meadow plantings, restoration sites, or naturalized gardens rather than tightly managed beds.