Hungarian Milkvetch
Astragalus contortuplicatus
- Native to:
- Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Krym, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
iNaturalist: © naturalist49367 (iNaturalist #68478482)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Astragalus
- Species:
- Astragalus contortuplicatus
- USDA Symbol:
- ASCO17
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, native pollinators
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.5 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Astragalus seeds typically have hard seed coats requiring scarification. Cold stratification improves germination rates for many milkvetch species.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Put in deep pot; protect from damping off