Hua Huang Qi, Chinese milkvetch

Astragalus chinensis

Physical Characteristics

Astragalus chinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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

E. Asia - Mongolia and the Far East of Russia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Hepatic Kidney Ophthalmic The seed is hepatic and ophthalmic. It is used in the treatment of kidney diseases, lumbago, spontaneous seminal emissions, frequent micturation, vertigo and decreased sight[176].

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].