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(Astragalus sinicus)
Chinese Milkvetch (Astragalus sinicus)
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© Norio Nomura
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© Norio Nomura
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Norio Nomura | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: norio_nomura | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Pocatello, Idaho
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 21" - 156" | 12" | Your precipitation may be insufficient for this plant. Irrigate N" / year. | Irrigate N" / year |
| • High Temp. | 60°F - 94°F | 89°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | -4°F - 59°F | 16°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.
Summary
Astragalus sinicus, commonly known as Chinese milkvetch or renge, is an annual herb in the legume family, native to riverbanks and grasslands in East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Taiwan. It is a leguminous plant that typically grows to a height of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) and is characterized by its compound leaves and small, pea-like flowers that are usually purple or violet in color, blooming from April to May. The plant is not particularly showy, but it is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enriches the soil.
Chinese milkvetch is primarily used in agriculture as a green manure crop due to its capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby improving soil fertility for subsequent crops. It is also used for erosion control and as forage for livestock. In cultivation, Astragalus sinicus prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be easily propagated by seed. While not commonly grown for ornamental purposes, it can be used in wildflower meadows or as a cover crop in vegetable gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Chinese milkvetch is primarily used in agriculture as a green manure crop due to its capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby improving soil fertility for subsequent crops. It is also used for erosion control and as forage for livestock. In cultivation, Astragalus sinicus prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be easily propagated by seed. While not commonly grown for ornamental purposes, it can be used in wildflower meadows or as a cover crop in vegetable gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to riverbanks and grasslands in East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Taiwan
Other Names
Common Names: Chinese Astragalus, Genge, Jaunyeong, Purple Vetch
Scientific Names: Astragalus sinicus, Astragalus lotoides, Astragalus sinicus, Astragalus sinicus f. albiflorus, Astragalus sinicus f. rosaceus, Astragalus sinicus subsp. macrocalyx, Astragalus sinicus var. macrocalyx, Tragacantha sinica
GBIF Accepted Name: Astragalus sinicus