Astragalus crassicarpus
| Astragalus crassicarpus | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Astragalus crassicarpus (common name: ground plum)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1]. A period of cold stratification may help stored seed to germinate[1]. 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[2][1]. 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[2][1]. 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[2]. 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.
Cultivation: Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position[3].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small[1]. The stems are sometimes prostrate[1].
This species is somewhat polymorphic and is separated into a number of distinct species by some botanists[4]. The form sometimes known as A. mexicanus has larger seedpods than the type, up to 35mm in diameter[4].
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[1]. 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[1].
Range: Western N. America - Eastern Rocky mountains and eastward to Nebraska.
Habitat: Prairies and plains[5].
Edibility: The thick fleshy unripe seedpods, which resemble green plums, are eaten raw or cooked[6][7][8]. They are highly esteemed[9]. The pods are about 25mm in diameter[4].
Medicinal: A compound decoction or infusion of the root has been used to treat fits and convulsions and has been used on bleeding wounds[10]. It has also been taken or used externally as a stimulant[10].
Pollinators: Bees, lepidoptera
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides[11]. All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage[9]. A number of species can also accumulate toxic levels of selenium
Also Known As: A. caryocarpus. Ker-Gawl. A. mexicanus. A. succulentus. Geoprumnon succulentum.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Britton, Nathaniel and Addison Brown. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada. Dover Publications, 1970.
- ↑ Hitchcock, Leo. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, 1955.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Harrington, Harold. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press, 1967.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.