Chinese milk vetch, Purple cloud petals
Astragalus sinicus

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A low herb. It is a plant which has a 2 year life-cyle. It grows to 25 cm high. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The flowers are on stalks above the leaves. They are pink.

In soils with high levels of selenium these plants can accumulate toxic levels of selenium. The plants growing in rice fields in China produce a favourite kind of honey. There are 2,000 Astragalus species.

Where it is found

A warm temperate plant. It grows near paddy fields. It requires a dry well drained soil in a sunny position. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Europe, France, Greece, Indochina, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mediterranean, SE Asia, Taiwan, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten cooked.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Cold treatment can help seeds germinate. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water before sowing.

Its other names

Local names

Hoangky Trungquoc, Ziyunying

Synonyms

Astragalus lotoides Lam.;