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cicer milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus cicer
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Chickpea Milkvetch (Astragalus cicer)
Chickpea milkvetch, also known as chick-pea milk-vetch or cicer milkvetch, is a perennial flowering plant with potential uses in grazing, hay production, and soil conservation.
Considerations for Pets
The text notes that Astragalus cicer is a legume and that its name comes from the belief that goat's milk supply was increased from eating vetches. Because of this, pet owners might want to consider its potential effect on domestic animals.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus cicer
- Common Names: Chickpea milkvetch, chick-pea milk-vetch, cicer milkvetch
- Family: Legumes (Fabaceae - inferred from the text)
Distribution and Habitat
Chickpea milkvetch is native to Eurasia and Eastern Europe. It has been introduced and adapted to the northern and central Rocky Mountain Region of the United States, western Canada, and other areas in the United States, Canada, and central and eastern regions. It is well-suited for a wide variety of environments and does well on all soil textures, but performs best on moderately-coarse-textured soils.
Ecological Role
Chickpea milkvetch is noted for its use in reclamation and erosion control due to its rhizomatous growth habit. It is considered a non-bloating legume.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a medium to long-lived perennial with a spreading rhizomatous growth habit.
- The plant is described as having an upright growth habit.
- Cicer milkvetch has a vigorous, deep root system that may expand its diameter to as much as 120 cm under favorable conditions.
- It features short, dense, spike-like clusters of creamy white pea-shaped flowers 1/3 to 1/2 inch long.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bee pollination is essential for optimum seed yield.
- In grazing trials, sheep were observed to graze sainfoin first, then alfalfa, and finally cicer milkvetch.
Agronomic Information
- It is a cool-season perennial legume that is winter hardy and can last 5-20 years in well-managed stands.
- It is slow to establish, and seedlings can be weak. High hard seed content can hamper germination.
- Spring seeding is generally recommended at a depth of 19 mm in a firm, weed-free seedbed.
- Improved varieties include Oxley II and AC Oxley II.
Further Information
- Saskatchewan Forage Council: Saskatchewan Forage Council
- Great Basin Seed: Great Basin Seed
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta
- University of Vermont Extension