Astragalus canadensis
Canadian Milkvetch

Uses

Toxic parts

Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides^[1]. All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage.^[2] A number of species can also accumulate toxic levels of selenium when grown in soils that are relatively rich in that element^[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Root - raw or boiled^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]. They were often used in a broth^[8]. The roots are gathered in spring or autumn^[9]. Some caution is advised, if the root is bitter it could be due to the presence of toxic alkaloids^[1].

Root

Unknown use

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Astragalus canadensis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root is analgesic and antihaemorrhagic^[8]. It can be chewed or used as a tea to treat chest and back pains, coughs and the spitting up of blood^[8]. A decoction of the root is used as a febrifuge for children^[10]^[8]. A poultice made from the chewed root has been used to treat cuts^[8].

Unknown part

Analgesic

Febrifuge

Haemostatic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[11]. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate^[11]. 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^[12]^[11]. 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^[12]^[11]. 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^[12]. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Astragalus canadensis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

Cultivation

Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position^[13].

This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c^[11]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small^[11].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby^[11]. 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^[11].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Astragalus canadensis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Astragalus canadensis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies