Astragalus shinanensis

Ohwi

Fabaceae Edible: Leaves Potential hazards — see below 3 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

Summary

A compact perennial reaching 0.3 m, hardy to UK zone 7. Bears hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by bees and butterflies. Fixes nitrogen in soil. Suitable for light sandy and medium loamy well-drained soils in mildly acidic to alkaline conditions. Cannot tolerate shade but adapts to both dry and moist soils.

Description

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides. All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage. A number of species can also accumulate toxic levels of selenium when grown in soils that are relatively rich in that element.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan,

Cultivation

Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Many members of this genus can be difficult to grow, this may be due partly to a lack of their specific bacterial associations in the soil.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate. Stored seed, and perhaps also fresh seed, should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in hot water before sowing - but make sure that you do not cook the seed. Any seed that does not swell should be carefully pricked with a needle, taking care not to damage the embryo, and re-soaked for a further 24 hours. Germination can be slow and erratic but is usually within 4 - 9 weeks or more at 13°c if the seed is treated or sown fresh. As soon as it is large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.