Common Name: Ground Plum

General Information

Astragalus crassicarpus is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant producing a number of sprawling stems 10 - 50cm long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.
The species is widespread and common in its natural range. There are no major known threats to the species and the population is believed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - British Colombia to Manitoba, south to Arizona and Texas

Habitat

Prairies and plains[]. Dry rocky or gravelly prairies, slight slopes in clearing of woods, disturbed sites such as roadsides, in partial sun and is most abundant on limestone or clay soils; at elevations from 150 - 1,800 metres[]..

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[]. The stems are sometimes prostrate[].
This species is somewhat polymorphic and is separated into a number of distinct species by some botanists[]. The form sometimes known as A. Mexicanus has larger seedpods than the type, up to 35mm in diameter[].
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[].

Edible Uses

The thick fleshy unripe seedpods, which resemble green plums, are eaten raw or cooked[, , ]. Best eaten when young, though even older pods can be cooked and young seeds can be eaten like peas[]. They are highly esteemed by wild food eaters and native North Americans[]. The pods are about 25mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

A compound decoction or infusion of the root has been used to treat fits and convulsions and has been used on bleeding wounds[]. It has also been taken or used externally as a stimulant[].

Other Uses

None known

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.