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European milkvetch
Scientific Name: Astragalus hamosus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
European Milkvetch (Astragalus hamosus)
European Milkvetch, also known simply as milk vetch, is an annual flowering plant with the scientific name Astragalus hamosus. It's a member of the Fabaceae (pea or legume) family.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Astragalus hamosus L.
- Common Names: European Milkvetch, Milkvetch
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Astragalus aegyptiacus, Tragacantha hamosa
Distribution and Habitat
Astragalus hamosus is considered non-native. It is native to Central and Eastern Europe. It has also been introduced to Southern Europe.
Morphological Characteristics
- Astragalus hamosus is an annual plant growing to a height of approximately 0.6 meters (2 feet) and a width of 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches).
- The stem is erect, generally bare in the lower part, with many ramifications developing towards the top.
- It flowers from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September.
Related Species
- It's noted that Astragalus hamosus may resemble a larger version of Astragalus danicus.
- Other species of Astragalus mentioned include Astragalus cicer (Cicer Milkvetch), Astragalus arenarius, Astragalus glycyphyllos (Wild Liquorice), Astragalus humistratus (Groundcover Milkvetch), Astragalus emoryanus (Emory Milkvetch), Astragalus membranaceus (Membranous Milkvetch), Astragalus falcatus (Sickle-shaped Milkvetch), Astragalus drupaceus and Astragalus fucatus (Hopi Milkvetch).
Ecological Role
In Europe, some species are cultivated as fodder plants.
Further Information
- Information about Astragalus hamosus can be found on Discover Life.
- The USDA also provides resources on this plant.