Milkvetch
Astragalus edulis
- Native to:
- Algeria, Morocco, Spain
Javier martin,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM,Javier martin,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Cosson, E.,Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM,Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM,Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM,Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM,Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Astragalus
- Species:
- Astragalus edulis
- USDA Symbol:
- ASED2
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, yellow
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
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from deep taproot following fire. Common in fire-maintained sagebrush and grassland ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Hard seed coat requires scarification or hot water treatment before cold stratification for best results.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Put in deep pot; protect from damping off