Astragalus multiceps — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Flowers

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: The calyx of the flower is eaten and has a sweetish flavour.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. It grow in the western Himalayas up to 3,500 m above sea level. It is best in well-drained soil. It needs to be in a sunny position. It is best in dry soil.

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Tibet,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A shrub. It grows 40-60 cm high. The leaves are 3-5 cm long and spreading. There are 4-6 pairs of leaflets. The flower petals are yellow. The pods are 10-15 mm long by 3-5 mm high.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small. 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. 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.

Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Medicinal Uses

Demulcent Emollient Leprosy The seeds are demulcent and emollient. They are used in the treatment of colic and leprosy.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses Nitrogen Fixer

Wikipedia

Source ↗

A compact shrub reaching 0.4 m in height with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by bees and butterflies. Fixes nitrogen in soil. Thrives in light sandy and medium loamy soils that are well-drained and cannot tolerate shade. Grows best in mildly acidic to alkaline soils and prefers dry conditions.

References (2)

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.pfaf.org
Wild edible plants of Himachal Pradesh (As Wall.)