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Description
Astragalus Succumbens, also known as the Trailing Milk Vetch, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Western North America and can be found in various habitats such as sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and mixed conifer forests. This plant has a unique growth habit, with its stems trailing along the ground and reaching up to 2 feet long. It produces small, white to pink flowers that bloom from May to July. The plant’s roots are known to have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Taxonomic Information
Here is the taxonomic information for Astragalus Succumbens:
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophytes |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Astragalus Succumbens plant has a unique trailing growth habit, with stems that can reach up to 2 feet long. The leaves are pinnate, with 8-12 leaflets that are lance-shaped and gray-green in color. The plant produces small, white to pink flowers that bloom from May to July. The flowers are pea-like and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant’s roots are long and slender, and the seeds are small, brown, and kidney-shaped.
Care Guide
Here’s a detailed care guide for growing Astragalus Succumbens:
Water
This plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept moderately moist. It is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Astragalus Succumbens does not require much fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring, but it is not necessary.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. A mixture of sand and loam can be used to improve drainage.
Sunlight
Astragalus Succumbens prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Succumbens is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is kept too moist.
Habitat
Astragalus Succumbens is native to Western North America and can be found in various habitats such as sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and mixed conifer forests. It prefers dry, rocky soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Succumbens a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the plant’s roots have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments.
Q: What is the best soil for growing Astragalus Succumbens?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. A mixture of sand and loam can be used to improve drainage.
Q: Is Astragalus Succumbens prone to pests and diseases?
A: Astragalus Succumbens is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is kept too moist.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Astragalus Succumbens?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Astragalus Succumbens:
- Astragalus alpinus
- Astragalus canadensis
- Astragalus cicer
- Astragalus gummifer
References
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Astragalus succumbens (Trailing milk-vetch). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ASSU2
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Astragalus. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UCCE_LR/files/210515.pdf
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Astragalus succumbens. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282165&isprofile=0&
