Liquorice milk-vetch (Astragalus glycyphyllos, Sp. Pl.: 758 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 758 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astragalus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Iran

Description

Liquorice milk-vetch, known scientifically as Astragalus glycyphyllos, is a noteworthy species within the expansive family of Fabaceae. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant has since been recognized for both its ecological significance and potential benefits.

Native to the regions stretching from Europe to Iran, Liquorice milk-vetch thrives in a variety of environments, adapting well to the temperate climates found across these areas. The plant typically flourishes in open woodlands, grasslands, and alongside riverbanks, where the soil is rich and well-drained. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through its root nodules, a characteristic feature of many Fabaceae members, makes it a valuable plant for maintaining soil health and fertility.

The leaves of Astragalus glycyphyllos are pinnate, exuding a soft green hue that adds a gentle lushness to its habitat. Its flowers, which bloom in clusters, are typically yellow or cream-colored—a charming contrast against the foliage. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem by attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Historically, Liquorice milk-vetch has been appreciated beyond its ornamental and ecological significance. Its roots are often noted for their sweet, liquorice-like flavor, which has been utilized in traditional remedies and culinary applications. Although not as widely used as true liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), the roots of Astragalus glycyphyllos have been explored for their potential health benefits, including their purported anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

In addition to its uses and ecological importance, Astragalus glycyphyllos serves as an indicator species for botanists and ecologists. Its presence can signify healthy, undisturbed ecosystems, given its preference for particular soil and environmental conditions.

Overall, the Liquorice milk-vetch stands out not only for its resilience and ecological contributions but also for its subtle beauty and historical essence. Whether observed in the wild or studied for its potential uses, Astragalus glycyphyllos remains an intriguing and valuable species worthy of attention and conservation.

Common Names

Deu: bärenschote, süßer tragant
Eng: licorice milkvetch, liquorice milk-vetch, sweet milk-vetch, wild liquorice, licorice milk-vetch
Dan: sød astragel, sødbladet astragel
Spa: astrágalo
Nld: hokjespeul
Fin: imeläkurjenherne
Swe: imeläkurjenherne, sötvedel
Nob: lakrismjelt
Nno: lakrismjelt
Por: orozuz-falso
Cat: regalíssia borda
Fra: réglisse sauvage, astragale à feuilles de réglisse
Nor: vild lakrits
Sme: sohkarnjaddesáhpal
Cym: geuperwraidd, gwreiddber, llaethwyg, llaethwyg licoris, llaethwyg pêr, melyswraidd, perwraidd
En: Liquorice milk-vetch, Sweet milk-vetch, Wild liquorice, Licorice milkvetch, Liquorice milkvetch, Wild licorice, Licorice milk-vetch, Milk Vetch, Milk-vetch
Az: Biyanyarpaq gəvən
Be: Астрагал саладкалісты
Bg: Сладколистно сграбиче
Ca: Regalíssia borda
Cs: Kozinec sladkolistý
Da: Sød Astragel, Sødbladet astragel
Nl: Wilde hokjespeul, Hokjespeul
Et: Magus hundihammas
Fi: Imeläkurjenherne
Fr: Réglisse sauvage, Astragale a feuilles de reglisse, Astragale réglisse, Astragale à feuilles de réglisse, Astragalus glycophyllos, Fausse Réglisse, Herbe aux dents de chevaux, Racine-douce, Réglisse bâtarde, Réglisse des bois
De: Bärenschote, Süßer Tragant, Süß-Tragant, Süßblatt-Tragant, Süßholz-Tragant, Süßblatt, Süße-Bärenschote, Süßholz-Traganth
Hu: Édeslevelű csüdfű
It: Astragalo falsa-liquerizia, Astragalo falsa liquirizia
Kk: Мияжапырақ таспа
Lt: Saldžialapė kulkšnė
Se: Sohkarnjaddesáhpal
No: Lakrismjelt, Vild lakrits
Nb: Lakrismjelt
Nn: Lakrismjelt
Pl: Traganek szerokolistny
Pt: Orozuz-falso, Alcaçuz-bastardo, Astrágalo, Astrágalo-doce
Ru: Астрагал сладколистный, Астрагал солодколистный
Sk: Kozinec sladkolistý
Es: Astrágalo, Sladki grahovec, Cachoes, Falso orozuz, Falso regaliz, Hierba de San Lorenzo, Orozuz falso, Regaliz borde, Regaliz salvaje, Regaliz silvestre
Sv: Sötvedel, Backsöta, Imeläkurjenherne
Tt: Татлытамыр яфраклы дөя сеңере
Uk: Астрагал солодколистий
Cy: Llaethwyg licoris, Geuperwraidd, Gwreiddber, Llaethwyg, Llaethwyg Pêr, Melyswraidd, Perwraidd

Synonyms

• Astragalus glycyphyllos var. rotundifolius (Čelak.)
• Astragalus lunatus (Gilib.)
• Hedyphylla vulgaris (Steven)
• Hedyphylla glycyphylla ((L.) Rydb.)
• Astragalus glycyphyllos f. bosniacus (Beck)
• Hamosa glycyphyllos ((L.) Medik.)
• Astragalus gliciphyllos (Neck.)
• Tragacantha glycyphyllos ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Jean-Francois Dumas (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 25, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 1996 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 29, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Catherine MAHYEUX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:477635-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5346998)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus glycyphyllos L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 5