Astragalus aboriginorum
Rich.
Indian Milkvetch
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Joachim Bertrands, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Joachim Bertrands
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Asher Warkentin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Asher Warkentin
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Matthias Buck, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Matthias Buck
Description
Astragalus aboriginorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil.
Edible Uses
Root - cooked. Collected by the Indians in spring as an article of food. This plant is very similar to several poisonous species, so great caution is urged to ensure that the plant is identified properly.
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
Western N. America - Canada and southwards.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
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 partly be due 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.
