SafePlants

Astragalus crassicarpus: Ground Plum

Astragalus crassicarpus, commonly known as Ground Plum, is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family. It's also known by several other common names, including Groundplum Milkvetch, Buffalo Bean, Buffalo Plum, Prairie Plum, and Buffalo Pea.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus crassicarpus Nutt.
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Papilionaceae)
• Common Names: Ground Plum, Groundplum Milkvetch, Buffalo Bean, Buffalo Plum, Prairie Plum, Buffalo Pea.
• Synonyms: Astragalus caryocarpus Ker Gawl., Astragalus mexicanus A. DC., Astragalus succulentus
• Subspecies: Astragalus crassicarpus Nutt. var. crassicarpus

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Astragalus contain toxic substances, although Astragalus crassicarpus is noted as having edible seedpods.
• The plant has a "sharp, beaklike point" on its fruit.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has a "sharp, beaklike point" on its fruit.

Distribution and Habitat

Astragalus crassicarpus is native to North America, specifically growing in prairie regions.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial plant growing up to 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) in height.
• The stems are decumbent and hairy, extending 4-24 inches from the crown.
• Leaves are alternate, 2-4 inches long, bearing 15-27 oval leaflets.
• The plant has feather-compound leaves and spikelike clusters of pea flowers.
• Flowers are tubular, approximately -inch in size, and come in various shades of purple.
• It produces plumlike, edible fruits that are nearly ball-shaped with a central ridge and a sharp, beaklike point. They are about inch wide.
• The plant has fleshy round or oval seedpods resembling greengages.

Ecological Role

Astragalus crassicarpus is a legume, meaning it can fix nitrogen in the soil. Some of this nitrogen is used by the plant, and some can benefit surrounding vegetation.

Traditional Uses

The round, juicy seed pods of Astragalus crassicarpus have been traditionally used as food by Native Americans, referred to as ground plums or buffalo beans. The unripe green fruit may be eaten raw or cooked.

Related Species

• Astragalus bisulcatus (Two-Grooved Milk Vetch)
• Astragalus macrocarpus (Lefkara milk-vetch)
• Astragalus bibullatus (Pyne's ground plum)
• Astragalus flexuosus (Slender Milk-Vetch)
• Astragalus missiensis (Missi Milk-Vetch)
• Astragalus agrestis (field milkvetch)
• Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren's milkvetch)
• Astragalus jaegerianus (Lane Mountain milkvetch)
• Astragalus humistratus (Ground-cover milkvetch)