Gum Tragacanth Milkvetch
Astragalus gummifer
- Native to:
- Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, Türkiye
Roger Culos,,,Paul Taubert (en.wikipedia.org),Unknown author Unknown author,Maša Sinreih in Valentina Vivod,Maša Sinreih in Valentina Vivod,Publications Office of the European Union (en.wikipedia.org),Friedrich Gottlob Hayne (en.wikipedia.org),Torrey Botanical Club.,Giraud, Jean-Baptiste-Félix,Publications Office of the European Union (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Astragalus
- Species:
- Astragalus gummifer
- USDA Symbol:
- ASGU
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream, yellowish
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, other pollinators
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained calcareous 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 with sandpaper or hot water treatment before cold stratification for optimal germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Put in deep pot; protect from damping off