European milkvetch (Astragalus hamosus)

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

Astragalus hamosus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste, but look very much like certain worms and so are used mainly for their novelty value. — Young seedpods - cooked.; They quickly become tough and fibrous.; The young seedpods are also used in salads.; They have only a mediocre taste, but look very much like certain worms and so are used mainly for their novelty value.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry grassland. Semidesert areas in foothills and the low montane belt, on clay, loess, sand and rock debris. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)