Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Astragalus

Species:

Astragalus austriacus

USDA Symbol:

ASAU7

Growth Characteristics

Height:

40 cm

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

yellow, cream

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

calcareous, well-drained, rocky soil

pH:

6.5 - 7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers limestone-rich areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Legume seeds benefit from scarification or brief hot water treatment to break hard seed coat. Cold stratification improves germination uniformity.