Angelica membranaceus (Mongolian Milk Vetch) is a perennial herb plant that is native to cold regions of northern Asia from Kazakhstan to Mongolia. Mongolian Milk Vetch is commercially sold in chemists as Astralagus Root and is used in many applications such as boosting the immune system and in increasing energy. Plants are frost tolerant and their flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate and Sub-Tropical Climates.
The other significant synonym names for Astragalus membranaceus is Astragalus mongholicus and Astragalus propinquus while the other common name used is Huang Qi where the herb is called in Mongolia.
Its native range could described as almost arctic, being found across Siberia in Russia, Mongolia and northern and western China.
Click here to view our full range of herbs.
Growth
Astragalus membranaceus is a perennial flowering herb plant that only grows to a height of around 45cm (18 inches) by a width of 20cm (8 inches). Mongolian Milk Vetch has a clumping habit and requires a combination of plenty of sunlight and deep soil with good drainage to allow their roots to develop.
Plants do not transplant well at any age and should be sown directly into their final position. This can pose challenges in Australia as the harsh sun can easily kill young seedlings. One solution is to provide adequate shade for the young plants throughout their first growing season and then allow full exposure at the beginning of the plants’ second Spring.
During the Winter, plants go dormant to protect themselves and can tolerate sub-zero temperatures and heavy frosts.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate and Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10 to 25°C / 14 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 45cm (18 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 20cm (8 inches)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
2-3 years for roots.
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold stratification for 3 weeks and then 4-6 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT ASTRAGALUS MEMBRANACEUS (Mongolian Milk Vetch)
The yellow and purple flowers of Mongolian Milk Vetch are rich in nectar and make ideal companion plants for fruiting trees to assist in increasing the harvest.
Astragalus membranaceus is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Mongolian medicine and its roots are used for a wide range of applications. It is used to treat kidneys, boost resistance to cold weather, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels and stimulates the immune system. There are some studies that have found cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation have recovered faster and survived longer if taking Mongolian Milk Vetch throughout.
For more information about the medicinal benefits of Mongolian Milk Vetch click here.
