Milk vetch, Hwanggi
Astragalus propinquus

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A sprawling herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 40-60 cm high and 30-45 cm wide. The roots are pale yellow. The leaves are light green and alternate. The leaves are 3-8 cm long and compound with 12-18 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are pea-like and pale yellow. They are 2 cm long. The fruit are papery pods. They are 2.5 cm long. The seeds are dark brown and kidney-shaped.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It is native to northern China. It is hardy to frost. It suits hardiness zone 5.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Korea, Mongolia, SE Asia, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten in soups often with chicken and meats. They are dried and sliced. It is also used in teas, wine and dilute rice porridge.

It is a cultivated plant. It is available in dried form in Chinese stores in Australia.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hoangky, Huangchoy, Huang qi, Pak kei

Synonyms

Astragalus membranaceus (Fischer ex Link) Bunge; Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bunge) P. K. Hsiao; Astragalus propinquus var. glabra Vydr.; Phaca membranaceus Fisch.;