Astragalus mongholicus PFAF Plant Database

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http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Astragalus+mongholicus

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Astragalus mongholicus - Bunge.

Common Name
Family

Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

Habitats

Many members of this

genus contain toxic
glycosides[65]. All species with
edible seedpods can be
distinguished by their fleshy
round or oval seedpod that looks
somewhat like a greengage[85]. A
number of species can also
accumulate toxic levels of
selenium when grown in soils that
are relatively rich in that
element[65].
Xerophytic scrub and larch forest,
in the low and middle montane
belts, on sand, stone, pebbles
and rocky soils[261].
E. Asia - China and Mongolia.

Range

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary
Physical Characteristics

Astragalus mongholicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is in flower

from Jun to August, and the seeds ripen from Jul to September. The flowers are
hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees,
lepidoptera.It can fix Nitrogen.

USDA hardiness zone : Coming soon

Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It
prefers dry soil.

19-12-2014 13:00

Astragalus mongholicus PFAF Plant Database

2 de 3

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Astragalus+mongholicus

Habitats
Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant
medicinally.
Cardiotonic; Diuretic; Vasodilator.
The root is cardiotonic, diuretic and vasodilator[176]. It is used in the treatment of spontaneous and night sweats, prolapse of the uterus and anus, abscesses and chronic
ulcers, chronic nephritis with oedema and proteinuria[176]. The roots contain astragalan - this has various effects on the body including aiding detoxification, increasing
the function of humoral immunity (increasing the size of the spleen, increasing the production of plasma cells and antibodies and having an effect against
immunosuppressants), increasing the production of macrophages and increasing bodily resistance[176].

Other Uses
None known

Cultivation details
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[1]. Plants are intolerant of root
disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small[200]. 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[200].
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[200].

Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate[200]. 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[134, 200]. 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[134, 200]. Germination can be slow and erratic but is usually
within 4 - 9 weeks or more at 13c if the seed is treated or sown fresh[134]. 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.

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Expert comment

Author
Bunge.

Botanical References
261266

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
[134]Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2.
Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. An interesting article on Ensete ventricosum.
[176]Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.
An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.
[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[261]Yakovlev. G. Sytin. A. & Roskov. Yu. Legumes of Northern Eurasia
For the academic only, a list of species growing in N. Eurasia with terse details on habitat, range, uses etc.

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19-12-2014 13:00