Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus (Huang qi) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is listed as a ‘superior class’ of herbs in the 2,000-year-old Chinese medicinal, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing.
Traditionally, Astragalus is grown for its roots. The root pictured (from our garden) is 4 years old – which is about when you want to harvest it. The leaves are also used for tea – which means you won’t have to wait 4 years to use the plant.
Like the roots, the leaves are high in bioactive components.
According to a research paper published in Scientific Reports (2021) titled, ‘Antioxidant and antibacterial insights into the leaves, leaf tea and medicinal roots from Astragalus membranaceus’, the bioactive components of the leaves are higher than the more commonly used roots. The authors write:
“In summary, compared with the most commonly used DR [Dried Root], the DL [Dried Leaves] and LT [Leaf Tea] from A. membranaceus contained higher bioactive components, and stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Producing leaf tea may be an appropriate way to economically and reasonably utilize the plant leaves which are by-products.”
Astragalus is easy to grow in short season gardens. The plants are a sprawling 3 feet tall. They don’t need support but are better at the edge of a garden than in the middle due to their sprawling nature. The leaves are small and made up of 12 to 18 pairs of leaflets (see the picture of the seedling).
Astragalus is perennial in our Zone 4 gardens.
_____________
How to Plant: Although some sources describe special treatments to start Astragalus seeds, in our experience no special treatment is needed. We have found that Astragalus is easy to start from seed. To sow seeds indoors, start 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Plant seed ¼ inch (5mm) below soil surface, keep soil moist and warm until seedlings emerge. Once seedlings emerge place under lights. Transplant outside after the last frost date.
______________
Location: Sun
Life cycle: Perennial to Zone 4
Height: Sprawling 3 ft
