Indian Milkvetch

Astragalus aboriginorum

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Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: astragalus

Plant ID (slug): astragalus-aboriginorum

Numeric ID: 21271

USDA Hardiness: Coming soon

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Western N. America - Canada and southwards.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[2, 105, 161, 177]. Collected by the Indians in spring as an article of food[235]. This plant is very similar to several poisonous species, so great caution is urged to ensure that the plant is identified properly[213].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides[65]. All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage.[85] A number of species can also accumulate toxic levels of selenium when grown in soils that are relatively rich in that element[65].