Species Laxmann's Milk Vetch
light-purple flowers, dark-green leaves and lime-green stems

Laxmann's Milk Vetch

Astragalus laxmannii var. robustior

Also Known As - Rattle Milk Vetch,Standing Milkvetch
Laxmann's Milk Vetch (Astragalus laxmannii var. robustior) is an annual legume native to mountainous parts of Siberia and Central Asia. It is an erect herbaceous plant, ranging from 30-80 cm tall, with clusters of yellow flowers. The stems and leaves are covered in stiff hairs. It is drought-tolerant and hardy in cold temperatures. Its robust roots help the plant to survive periodic fires. It is an important source of nutrition for domestic and wild animals, and its roots have been used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of treatments, including arthritis and rheumatism.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Laxmann's Milk Vetch (Astragalus laxmannii var. robustior) should be watered thoroughly about every 2 weeks in the spring and summer. During these seasons, the plant should receive 1 inch of water per week. If the soil is light and sandy, more frequent watering (roughly every 5 days) is advised. In the autumn, the watering should be reduced to about every 3 weeks. During winter, Laxmann's Milk Vetch should be watered only once per month, or less often if the soil is not completely dry. The soil should also be kept slightly moist between waterings, but should not be soggy.

sunlight

Laxmann's Milk Vetch (Astragalus laxmannii var. robustior) requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Sunlight should be direct and intense for optimal growth. The best time of day for providing sun for this species is during the mid-morning and late afternoon hours, avoiding too much exposure during the hottest part of the day (roughly between 10 am and 4 pm). This species is tolerant of partial shade, but will not produce as much growth and blooms under those conditions.

pruning

Laxmann's Milk Vetch (Astragalus laxmannii var. robustior) should be pruned regularly throughout the growing season, from late spring through late fall. Pruning should be done selectively, focusing mainly on dead or damaged branches and any suckers that arise. Prune back stems to reduce height if desired, cutting back to healthy buds or to a side branch. Pruning can also encourage branching out for a denser, bushier look. Winter pruning is not necessary for this species, but if desired, wait until late winter or early spring before cutting back any frost-damaged foliage. Pruning at this time should not impact flowering, since Laxmann's Milk Vetch blooms on new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Laxmann's Milk Vetch typically begins in July and continues through August.