Astragalus of Canada

Astragalus canadensis

4.25$
3.19$

Seeds grown in an ecological and responsible manner by Akène, forest culture

Milk vetch (Astragalus canadensis) is a native perennial plant, reaching up to 90 cm in height. It is distinguished by its pretty cream-coloured flowers, rich in nectar, attracting many pollinators. This nitrogen fixer, belonging to the Fabaceae family, plays an essential role in improving soil fertility. From August onwards, its flowers transform into pods containing seeds that remain on the plant throughout the autumn and even into early winter, providing an important food source for birds.

Medicinal and culinary uses
Astragalus root is analgesic and antihemorrhagic. It is also edible. It is harvested in spring or autumn. Some caution is recommended, because if the root is bitter, it could be due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.

Ecological role
This plant contributes to biodiversity by attracting various pollinators while enriching the soil thanks to its ability to fix nitrogen. By integrating astragalus into gardens, we promote a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem, while providing a habitat suitable for birds.

Canadian astragalus seeds must undergo a cold lamination to ensure their germination.

Available at the ecoumene only

Seeds grown in an ecological and responsible manner by Akène, forest culture

Milk vetch (Astragalus canadensis) is a native perennial plant, reaching up to 90 cm in height. It is distinguished by its pretty cream-coloured flowers, rich in nectar, attracting many pollinators. This nitrogen fixer, belonging to the Fabaceae family, plays an essential role in improving soil fertility. From August onwards, its flowers transform into pods containing seeds that remain on the plant throughout the autumn and even into early winter, providing an important food source for birds.

Medicinal and culinary uses
Astragalus root is analgesic and antihemorrhagic. It is also edible. It is harvested in spring or autumn. Some caution is recommended, because if the root is bitter, it could be due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.

Ecological role
This plant contributes to biodiversity by attracting various pollinators while enriching the soil thanks to its ability to fix nitrogen. By integrating astragalus into gardens, we promote a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem, while providing a habitat suitable for birds.

Canadian astragalus seeds must undergo a cold lamination to ensure their germination.

Description

Sowing and cultivation

Cold stratification for 30 days and light scarification are necessary to ensure germination of astragalus seeds.

Scarification: gently rub the seeds between two sheets of fine sandpaper, without applying too much pressure to avoid damaging the seeds. We do not want to remove the entire outer covering of the seed (the seed coat), but only damage it to facilitate imbibition, i.e. the absorption of water by the seed.

Stratification: Then mix the seeds with a moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or sand) and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 30 days.

Sow to a depth of 5mm.

The stratified seeds will germinate within a few days and the young plants immediately develop a fairly deep taproot in search of water. So provide containers that are deep enough (5 to 6 inches) to allow this root to develop.

You can also sow directly in place in the fall, scarification and stratification will then take place naturally outside, but the germination rate may be reduced.

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Technical Details

Seeds per bag: 75

Family: Fabaceae

Scientific name : Astragalus canadensis

Life cycle: Perennial

Area : 2

Floor : Well drained, adaptable

Light : Sun, partial shade

Flowering: June to July

Spacing: 60 cm

Height: 90 cm

Deer resistance: No

Stratification: 30 days

Scarification: Sandblasting

Germination time: 15 to 20 days.

Sowing depth: 5 mm

Further information

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📅 Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1, 2025

It's time for the big annual countdown!
Our team is busy counting seeds (and keeping track 😅).

The online store and the horticultural store will be
therefore closed during these two days.

We'll see you from Saturday morning
Thank you for your patience 💚