Milk vetch (Astragalus membranaceus) 9 cm

Common Name: Milk vetch, Huang Qi

Latin Name: Astragalus membranaceus

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae (Legume family)

Origin: Grown from Seed in Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Description: Perennial, clumping plant native to East Asia. with pinnate leaves on tall stems producing pale yellow characteristic to pea family flowers that are rich in nectar, making them attractive to pollinators.

Hardiness: Hardy to at least -15°C.

Soil: Dry, well-drained, sandy, slightly alkaline.

Position: Sunny. Tolerates some shade.

Height: can grow up to 1m tall.

Spread: The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread

Maintenance: May need some support for stay upright, especially in exposed areas. Minimal or no feeding is required. Plant in an open space to avoid water logging.

Uses: It improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and can be used in mixed plantings to enhance biodiversity. The root is used as a tonic herb that stimulates the immune system and supports many organs of the body. It may lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is used as an adaptogen increasing stamina and endurance and improving resistance and immune function. The root of 4 year old plants is harvested in the autumn and dried for use.