Astragalus glycyphyllos
L.
Milk Vetch, Licorice milkvetch
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Zdeňka Nováková, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Zdeňka Nováková
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jean-Philippe BASUYAUX, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jean-Philippe BASUYAUX
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jean-Philippe BASUYAUX, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jean-Philippe BASUYAUX
Description
Astragalus glycyphyllos is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil.
Edible Uses
Tea. The herb is occasionally used as a tea. The root is said to be a liquorice substitute, but certainly not from the point of view of taste.
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
Much of Europe, including Britain, though rare in the south, east to the Caucasus and W. Asia.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Altay, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Checheno-Ingushetia, Dagestan, Georgia, Gorno-Altay, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karacaevo-Cerkesskaja Respublika, Kazakhstan (northeast), Kemerovskaja oblast, Krasnodar, North Ossetia, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Russian Federation, Russian Federation, Stavropol, Sverdlovsk, Tomsk, Turkey (north),Iran (north). EUROPE: Denmark, United Kingdom (U.K.), Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic and Slovakia), Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation-European part, European part, Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, France (incl. Corsica), Portugal,
Cultivation
Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Prefers chalk and limestone soils, succeeding in grassland. The leaves emit a sweet, aromatic scent when handled. 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. 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. Carbon farming - Cultivation: Management: hay, fodder. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The predictable growth behaviour makes it easier to maintain without having to apply containment methods.
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.
Other Uses
Fodder. Agroforestry Services: nitrogen, understory legume. Fodder: pasture. Provides shelter for beneficial invertebrates: insects and other arthropods. A general nectary plant. Groundcover.
Also Known As
Milk Vetch, Licorice milkvetch
