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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Astragalus canadensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
A. carolinianus. L.
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:
Root - raw or boiled[22, 46, 61, 105, 177]. They were often used in a broth[257]. The roots are gathered in spring or autumn[161]. Some caution is advised, if the root is bitter it could be due to the presence of toxic alkaloids[65].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Analgesic Febrifuge Haemostatic
The root is analgesic and antihaemorrhagic[257]. It can be chewed or used as a tea to treat chest and back pains, coughs and the spitting up of blood[257]. A decoction of the root is used as a febrifuge for children[207, 257]. A poultice made from the chewed root has been used to treat cuts[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Nitrogen fixer. Milk Vetch is often used as a cover crop and for erosion control. It improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and can be used in mixed plantings to enhance biodiversity. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Milk Vetch species produce flowers that are rich in nectar, making them attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The seeds of Milk Vetch are edible and can serve as food for various wildlife. The plant’s foliage may also cover small animals, although it is not typically used for nesting.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – Milk Vetch can provide a habitat for invertebrates, and its leaves contribute to leaf litter that supports beneficial insects. Some species may spread out enough to offer ground cover.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – Milk Vetch is not specifically recognized for its ability to confuse pests through its scent.
Special Uses
Food Forest Nitrogen Fixer
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position[1]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. Many members of this genus can be difficult to grow, this may be due partly to a lack of their specific bacterial associations in the soil[200]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub, etc. and size shown above), information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a runner spreading indefinitely by rhizomes or stolons [1-2]. Milk Vetch generally has a moderate growth rate, establishing within the first year and often reaching full maturity in two to three years. The leaves and young shoots can be harvested in spring and early summer. The seeds are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn. Milk Vetch usually flowers from late spring to mid-summer.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate[200]. Stored seed, and perhaps also fresh seed, should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in hot water before sowing - but make sure that you do not cook the seed[134, 200]. Any seed that does not swell should be carefully pricked with a needle, taking care not to damage the embryo, and re-soaked for a further 24 hours[134, 200]. Germination can be slow and erratic but is usually within 4 - 9 weeks or more at 13°c if the seed is treated or sown fresh[134]. As soon as it is large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada, Northwest Territories (southwest), Québec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, United States, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington (east), Wyoming, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, New Mexico (north), Texas, California (northeast), Utah,
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
43200274
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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Subject : Astragalus canadensis
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