Echinus Milkvetch (Astragalus echinus)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Astragalus echinus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet manna exudes from the plant. — A sweet manna exudes from the plant.; Manna can be used as a sweetener in various foods, or to make a drink.

Habitat & North American Range

Tragacanth shrub vegetation on windward slopes of high mountains in northern Israel. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)