SafePlants

Milkvetch (Astragalus spp.)

Milkvetch refers to a large genus of plants within the legume family (Fabaceae). This diverse group includes a variety of species with different characteristics and uses.

Common Names

• Milkvetch (general for most species)
• Locoweed (in North America, for some species)
• Goat's-thorn (specifically for A. gummifer, A. tragacanthus)
• Chinese Milk Vetch
• Alpine Milk-vetch, Mountain Locoweed (for Astragalus alpinus)
• Canada Milkvetch
• Chickpea milkvetch (for Astragalus cicer)
• Freckled milkvetch, rattleweed, loco weed (for Astragalus lentiginosus)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Astragalus spp.
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae or Pea Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Group: Dicot
• Symbol: ASTRA
• Synonyms: The text mentions "milk-vetch" as an alternative spelling. Several alternative scientific names are mentioned associated with specific species.

Distribution and Habitat

• Milkvetch species are found throughout northern and southwestern China and northern North America.
• They are adapted to a wide range of ecosystems, from forests to deserts.
• Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) was introduced to North America from Europe.

Morphological Characteristics

• Milkvetch can be a tall perennial herb, growing up to 1 meter in height.
• The plant is often covered with short bristles.
• It has a long, thick taproot.
• Some species, like Canada Milkvetch (Astragalus canadensis), grow to approximately 3-4 feet tall.
• Fernald's Milk-vetch is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows in small clumps from rhizomes (horizontal underground stems).
• Purple milk-vetch's flowers are gathered densely and compactly, resembling a single bloom. They develop into swollen, pea-like seed pods.

Ecological Role

• Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer) is used for grazing, hay, and soil conservation in the northern and central Rocky Mountain Region of the United States and western Canada.
• Canada Milkvetch is a nectar source for bumblebees and honeybees.
• It also provides food for herbivores such as deer, groundhogs, and rabbits.
• Some milkvetch species, like Whited's milkvetch, are critically endangered.
• Cicer milk vetch seedlings are weak and slow to establish, making weed control important for its cultivation.

Traditional Uses

• Astragalus herbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, sometimes alone and sometimes in combination with other herbs.
• Milkvetch is generally administered in combination with other Chinese herbs, with the specific combination depending on the diagnosis.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Canada Milkvetch is a common nectar source for bumblebees and honeybees.
• It also serves as a food source for herbivores, including deer, groundhogs, and rabbits.

Further Information

• Lewis and Clark Herbarium/Academy of Natural Sciences
• www.biolib.cz (Leif &amp Anita Stridvall)
• Milkvetch entry on Wiktionary
• Saskatchewan Forage Council, 2007. Dryland Forage Species Adaptation CD.
• ARKive (for Schmoll's milkvetch)
• University of Vermont Extension