Astragalus frigidus

Astragalus frigidus

Native to:
Austria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuril Is., Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Astragalus
Species:
Astragalus frigidus
USDA Symbol:
ASFR4

Growth Characteristics

Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, 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, butterflies, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Common in alpine meadows and tundra regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seed coat is hard and benefits from scarification or hot water treatment before cold stratification. Variable germination rates are common.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Resents transplanting. Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * put in deep pot; protect from damping off

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society