Milkvetch

Astragalus membranaceus
Family: Leguminosae

Table of Contents

1. Description
2. Origin
3. Uses
4. Culture
5. Sources
6. Thanks to..
   
   

Description

Astragalus is a perennial with hairy stems and pinnate leaves made up of 12-18 pairs of leaflets. It grows approximately 40cm tall.

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Origin

Mongolia, N. China: A. membranaceus is not well known in the west but has been used in China for thousands of years and is a popular tonic herbs. Among it's constituents are asparagine, calcyosin formononetin, astragalosides, kumatakenin, and sterols.

Uses of Astragalus and claims

• Culinary: none
• Medicinal: root is claimed to have adaptogenic, immune stimulant, diuretic, vasodilator, and antiviral activity.
• Industrial: none

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Culture

• Propagation: Astralagus is propagated from seed easily. Seeds germinate in about 4 weeks and can be transplanted at 12 weeks.
• Soil Type: Astragalus prefers sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny location.
• Cultivation: Astralagus should be planted in late spring or early summer. Irrigation needs in the summer are average to low.
• Harvest: Harvest the root in late fall after 3 or more years of growth.

Sources

• Chevallier, A. 1996. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Reader's Digest Association.
• Chinese Herbal Medicine. 1998. Shambhala Publications Inc.
• Richters Herb Catalogue 1998.
• Sturdivant, L, T. Blakley. 1999. Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field and Marketplace. San Juan Naturals.
  

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Thanks to

This demonstration garden was a result of the efforts of Dr. Alan McKeown, Vegetable Scientist, University of Guelph and was made possible with grants from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Tobacco Diversification Program.

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