An exceedingly variable species, it will undoubtedly have to be divided into a number of geographic races, but the division is at present impossible in view of the inadequate collection of specimens[].

Common Name: Indian Milkvetch

General Information

Astragalus australis is a herbaceous, perennial plant with ascending to erect stems, growing 15 - 40cm tall[].
The plant was an article of food for the native North Americans, though it is probably little used at present.

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

Eurasia - Germany to Spain, east to Ukraine, Bulgaris; Mongolia, south Siberia, Russian Far East; N.America - Alaska to Quebec, south to Nevada, Utah.

Habitat

Alpine and sub-alpine knolls, scree and open places in valleys and plains, especially on limestone[]. Deciduous forests, scrub and treeless heights (in the alpine tundra), shady river banks, rocks, rarely in arctic tundra[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 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[].
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 partly be due to a lack of their specific bacterial associations in the soil[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[, , , ]. Collected by the Native North Americans in spring as an article of food[]. This plant is very similar to several poisonous species, so great caution is urged to ensure that the plant is identified properly[].

Medicinal

None known

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.