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Description
Astragalus Sesameus, also known as the Sesame Milk Vetch, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States, where it grows in arid and semi-arid habitats such as sagebrush flats, rocky slopes, and dry hillsides.This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of about 1-2 feet. It has a taproot system and produces numerous stems that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves of Astragalus Sesameus are pinnately compound and have 11-21 leaflets that are linear to oblong in shape. The flowers are small and pinkish-white in color, and they bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Sesameus is a small, bushy plant that has a unique appearance. Its stems are thin and wiry, and they are covered with fine hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. The leaves are green and pinnately compound, with 11-21 leaflets that are oblong to linear in shape. The flowers are small and pinkish-white in color, and they grow in clusters at the top of the stems. The plant produces small, pod-like fruits that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Astragalus Sesameus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for your Sesame Milk Vetch:Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions. However, it is important to water it regularly during the growing season, especially if you live in a hot and dry climate.Fertilization: Astragalus Sesameus does not require fertilization, as it can extract nitrogen from the air through its roots. However, you can add a small amount of organic fertilizer to the soil in the spring to help it grow.Soil: This plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. If you have heavy clay soil, you can add sand or organic matter to improve drainage.Sunlight: Astragalus Sesameus prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Sesameus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Astragalus Sesameus is native to the western United States, where it grows in arid and semi-arid habitats such as sagebrush flats, rocky slopes, and dry hillsides. It is commonly found in California, Nevada, and Utah.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Astragalus Sesameus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s taproot system.Q: Is Astragalus Sesameus edible?
A: Yes, the young leaves and shoots of this plant are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.Q: Is Astragalus Sesameus a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, this plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, and skin conditions.Q: Can Astragalus Sesameus be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from seed. Collect the seeds in the fall and plant them in the spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Astragalus Sesameus:- Astragalus lentiginosus- Astragalus mollissimus- Astragalus nuttallianus- Astragalus purshii- Astragalus whitneyi
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Astragalus Sesameus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ASSE- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Astragalus Sesameus. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSE
