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Chinese milkvetch

Scientific Name: Astragalus chinensis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Chinese Milkvetch (Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus sinicus)

Chinese Milkvetch refers to several species of Astragalus, notably Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus sinicus. It is also known as milk vetch, yellow vetch, and huang qi (in China), and renge. In North America, some Astragalus species are called locoweed.

Considerations for Pets

Many members of the Astragalus genus are known to contain toxic glycosides.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus sinicus
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae), also known as the pea family.
  • Synonyms: Sha Yuan Zi (Pinyin for Astragalus seed)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Mainly produced in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi, and Gansu in China.
  • A. sinicus is widely grown as green-manure-cum-forage in central and southern China.
  • Also found throughout northern and southwestern China and northern North America.

Ecological Role

  • Astragalus sinicus is used as a green manure and forage crop.
  • It can be used as a cover crop for weed control.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Deep-rooted leguminous plant that forms an upright bush with many stems.
  • Astragalus membranaceus has a reclining, spreading growth habit.

Traditional Uses

  • Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
  • The root of Astragalus membranaceus is used medicinally.
  • Seeds are also used as a tonic.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediate uptake of nutrient elements by Chinese milk vetch.
  • Used in silage for sheep.

Additional Information

  • Perennial, hardy in zones 5-8.
  • Can be grown from seed directly outdoors.
  • Used to make Chinese Milk Vetch Honey Flaved dark chocolate ganaches or truffles.
  • Used in combination with other Chinese herbs.