Chinese Milk Vetch
Astragalus sinicus
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Astragalus sinicus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). 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 moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Naturalized in Japan where it grows around paddy fields. Meadows at elevations of 50 - 1800 metres, widespread in subtropical areas of China.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Young leaves - cooked. Seed. No more details on its use. The seed contains 36.6% protein and 5.3% fat.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used in the treatment of blennorrhoea and also as an unguent for burns.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating:
This species is grown as a green manure crop in Japan and southern China.
Green manure: Fast-growing plants that can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species used to be cultivated for its edible leaves in China, it is cultivated as a soil improver and green manure in Japan. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small. 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. 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.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides. All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage. A number of species can also accumulate toxic levels of selenium when grown in soils that are relatively rich in that element.