Canadian Milkvetch, Shorttooth Canadian milkvetch, Morton's Canadian milkvetch

Astragalus canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Astragalus canadensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. 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

Central and eastern N. America - Quebec to Saskatchewan, New York, Louisiana, Nebraska and Utah.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or boiled[22, 46, 61, 105, 177]. They were often used in a broth[257]. The roots are gathered in spring or autumn[161]. Some caution is advised, if the root is bitter it could be due to the presence of toxic alkaloids[65].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Febrifuge Haemostatic The root is analgesic and antihaemorrhagic[257]. It can be chewed or used as a tea to treat chest and back pains, coughs and the spitting up of blood[257]. A decoction of the root is used as a febrifuge for children[207, 257]. A poultice made from the chewed root has been used to treat cuts[257].

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].