Chinese Milk Vetch (Astragalus sinicus)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Astragalus sinicus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. Seed. No more details on its use. The seed contains 36.6% protein and 5.3% fat. — Young leaves - cooked.; No more details on its use.; The seed contains 36.6% protein and 5.3% fat.

Habitat & North American Range

Naturalized in Japan where it grows around paddy fields. Meadows at elevations of 50 - 1800 metres, widespread in subtropical areas of China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)