European milkvetch
Astragalus hamosus
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Astragalus hamosus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September. 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 dry soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Dry grassland. Semidesert areas in foothills and the low montane belt, on clay, loess, sand and rock debris.
Europe - Mediterranean to Armenia, Ukraine and the Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young seedpods - cooked. They quickly become tough and fibrous. The young seedpods are also used in salads. They have only a mediocre taste, but look very much like certain worms and so are used mainly for their novelty value.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is demulcent, emollient, galactogogue and laxative. It is useful in treating irritation of the mucous membranes, nervous affections and catarrh.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position. Grows well in Cornwall. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best sown in situ. 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. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen. 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 - sow late winter in a greenhouse. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water. If any seed does not swell up in this time then carefully prick it with a needle making sure that you do not damage the embryo, and re-soak for a further 24 hours. Germination usually takes place within 3 - 6 weeks at 13°c. As soon as it is large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry
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.