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Description
Astragalus Onobrychis, commonly known as Onobrychis Viciifolia or Sainfoin, is a perennial plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and it has been cultivated since ancient times for its forage and medicinal properties. Astragalus Onobrychis is a drought-resistant and nitrogen-fixing plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its leaves are pinnately compound, and its flowers are pink to purple in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Onobrychis is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its stems are erect and woody at the base, with many branches. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 8-18 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The leaflets are dark green in color and have a leathery texture. Its flowers are pink to purple in color and are borne in spikes that are 10-15 cm long. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, and they are followed by seed pods that are 2-3 cm long.
Care Guide
Astragalus Onobrychis is a drought-resistant and nitrogen-fixing plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: Astragalus Onobrychis does not require fertilization, as it is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can obtain nitrogen from the air.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is not too rich in nutrients. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
- Sunlight: Astragalus Onobrychis prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Onobrychis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common problems that may affect this plant:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut through the stems of the plant at ground level. To prevent cutworm damage, place a collar of cardboard or plastic around the base of the plant.
Habitat
Astragalus Onobrychis is native to Europe and Asia, and it can be found in dry grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes. It is a valuable forage plant for livestock and wildlife, as it is highly nutritious and palatable. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Astragalus Onobrychis as a sustainable alternative to traditional forage crops, as it requires less water and fertilizer and has a lower carbon footprint.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Onobrychis drought-resistant?
A: Yes, Astragalus Onobrychis is a drought-resistant plant that can tolerate dry conditions.
Q: Can Astragalus Onobrychis fix nitrogen?
A: Yes, Astragalus Onobrychis is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can obtain nitrogen from the air.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Astragalus Onobrychis?
A: Astragalus Onobrychis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Q: Is Astragalus Onobrychis a valuable forage plant?
A: Yes, Astragalus Onobrychis is a highly nutritious and palatable forage plant for livestock and wildlife.
Related Plants
- Astragalus cicer
- Astragalus glycyphyllos
- Astragalus membranaceus
- Astragalus sinicus
- Astragalus tragacantha
References
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Astragalus onobrychis. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/703182/details
- Flora of China Editorial Committee. (2010). Flora of China. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200012540
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Astragalus onobrychis. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASON
