The Latest Introduction to Astragalus sinicus (Chinese Milk Vetch) and Answers to Common Questions
Astragalus sinicus, as its name suggests, has pale purple flowers that bloom beautifully. In addition, it is a well-known Chinese herbal medicine and a plant that combines ornamental and practical value. It is distributed throughout China, mostly growing in moist places in valley forests at an altitude of 400-3000 m. Let us take a closer look at it together below.
Morphological Characteristics
Also known as qiaoyao, red flower grass, and other names, it is a biennial herb in the Fabaceae family, about 30 cm tall, much branched, prostrate on the ground, densely covered with white soft hairs. The leaves are pinnately compound, with a relatively large number of leaflets that are obovate or elliptical, slightly pointed at the apex, mostly connate at the base, and the petioles are relatively short and ovate.
The inflorescence is cymose, the pedicels are relatively short, with white soft hairs, the flowering period is from February to June, the flower color is pale yellow or purplish red, the petals are semicircular, and the ovary is hairless or densely covered with short white soft hairs. The fruiting period is from March to July, the pod is oblong, slightly curved, and the surface is black with raised reticulate veins; the seed is chestnut brown and kidney-shaped.
Growth Habits
It likes a warm and humid climate and has a certain degree of cold resistance. It can overwinter safely if the temperature is kept above 10°C in winter. It has low requirements for soil, but prefers fertile, loose, and moist soil, with a soil pH of 5.5-7.5.
The suitable temperature for seed germination is 15-25°C. During germination, sufficient water and oxygen must be maintained to promote rapid seedling growth and emergence as soon as possible. It is waterlogging-intolerant; soaking in water during the growing period will cause its root system to rot and die. It is drought-intolerant; drought will affect plant growth or cause the root system to die from lack of water. Therefore, the amount of watering should be controlled, and it is enough to keep the soil moist. Generally, watering is more frequent in summer and winter, and the amount of watering should be appropriately reduced in spring and autumn.
Main Values
Ornamental value: the flowers are beautiful, cultivation is relatively simple, and it is suitable for potted plants or cut flower material, with excellent ornamental quality.
Ecological value: Astragalus sinicus has strong nitrogen fixation ability and high utilization efficiency. It is an important green manure crop. When the plants die and rot, they can greatly activate soil nitrogen and play an important role in maintaining the nitrogen cycle of the ecosystem. It is also a good livestock feed and is rich in nutrients, but it should not be used in excess, as it easily causes bloat.
Edible value: the tender shoots and twigs of Astragalus sinicus can be eaten as vegetables. It is also one of China's important nectar source plants, and its flowers have a natural fresh fragrance and a fresh, sweet taste. Honey made from its nectar as a raw material is rich in nutrients and highly active.
Medicinal value: the whole plant can be used as medicine, with effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, activating blood circulation and improving eyesight, and is used for cough, sore throat, and traumatic bleeding.
The above is an introduction to Astragalus sinicus. Astragalus sinicus has strong vitality and is a warmth-loving plant that grows better in warm regions. Its flower language is happiness, and its motto is: happiness is not inevitable; as long as you know how to cherish it, happiness is within easy reach.