Canada milk-vetch (Astragalus canadensis, Sp. Pl.: 757 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 757 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astragalus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Canada milk-vetch, scientifically named Astragalus canadensis, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. This hardy species graces the landscapes from Canada down to the United States, embodying the resilient nature of the flora found in these vast regions.

First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, Canada milk-vetch has since captured the attention and admiration of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. The plant thrives in a variety of habitats, displaying flexibility and adaptability, traits that highlight its evolutionary success.

Typically found in prairies, meadows, and along riverbanks, Canada milk-vetch is an integral part of the ecosystems it inhabits. It plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and is involved in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil and supporting the growth of surrounding plant life. The plant’s deep root system helps prevent erosion, making it an environmental ally in maintaining healthy land.

The aesthetics of Canada milk-vetch are also noteworthy. The plant features slender stems clothed in dense, compound leaves and adorned with clusters of creamy white to pale yellow flowers. These blossoms are not just visually pleasing but also attract important pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of its environment.

In addition to its ecological importance, Canada milk-vetch also has a history of use in traditional medicine. Some indigenous cultures have utilized parts of the plant for their potential health benefits, although such applications should be approached with caution and respect for traditional knowledge.

Overall, Canada milk-vetch stands out as a resilient and ecologically valuable plant, a testament to the botanical diversity that spans the North American continent.

Common Names

Eng: canada milk-vetch, canadian milkvetch, canadian milk-vetch
Fra: astragale du canada
Swe: kolvvedel
En: Canada milk-vetch, CANADIAN MILK-VETCH, Canadian milkvetch
Fr: Astragale du Canada
Sv: Kolvvedel

Synonyms

• Tragacantha canadensis ((L.) Kuntze)
• Phaca canadensis ((L.) MacMill.)
• Solenotus canadensis ((L.) Steven)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 14, 2013 by EOL − eplonka1 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Kelsey Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Георгий Мусорин (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Alper Durmaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Splam Bo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Feb 16, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by EOL − schock1 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5345439)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:24595-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus canadensis L.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Stoloniferous

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 6.0