Purple milk-vetch (Astragalus danicus, Observ. Bot. 3: 41 (1783))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Retz.

Bibliography: Observ. Bot. 3: 41 (1783)

Year: 1783

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astragalus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Mongolia

Description

Purple milk-vetch, scientifically known as Astragalus danicus, is an enchanting member of the Fabaceae family, recognized for its vibrant and striking appearance. Documented by Retz in 1783, this resilient species demonstrates a remarkable distribution, extending from Europe to the expansive terrains of Mongolia.

Characterized by its captivating purple flowers, this leguminous plant typically thrives in temperate regions, often gracing meadows, grasslands, and other open habitats. The purple milk-vetch’s delicate blossoms, coupled with its feathery foliage, contribute to the biodiversity and visual appeal of the landscapes it inhabits.

Ecologically, Astragalus danicus plays a significant role in its environment. Like many members of the Fabaceae family, it has symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This biological partnership enhances soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants, thus enriching the soil and supporting sustainable ecosystems.

Given its extensive range, the purple milk-vetch is adept at withstanding a variety of climatic conditions. Its adaptability and resilience make it an important species for maintaining ecological balance across diverse regions. As a result, it not only adds to the aesthetic value of its natural surroundings but also supports agricultural systems and natural habitats alike.

In conclusion, Astragalus danicus stands out not just for its beauty but for its ecological importance. Its presence from Europe to Mongolia underscores its versatility and the crucial role it plays in enhancing soil health and promoting biodiversity in diverse ecosystems.

Common Names

Dan: dansk astragel
Deu: dänischer tragant
Cat: astràgal danès
Eng: purple milk-vetch
Swe: strandvedel
Nno: strandmjelt
Nob: strandmjelt
Cym: llaethwyg rhuddlas
En: Purple milk-vetch
Be: Астрагал дацкі
Ca: Astràgal danès
Zh: 丹麦黄芪, 丹黄耆
Cs: Kozinec dánský
Da: Dansk Astragel
Nl: Deense Hokjespeul
Et: Aas-hundihammas
Fi: Arokurjenherne
Fr: Astragale du Danemark
De: Dänischer Tragant
Ga: Bleachtphiseán
It: Astragalo danese
No: Strandmjelt
Nb: Strandmjelt
Nn: Strandmjelt
Pl: Traganek duński
Ru: Астрагал датский
Sv: Strandvedel
Zh-tw: 丹黃耆
Tt: Тургай борчагы
Zh-hant: 丹黃耆
Uk: Астрагал данський
Cy: Llaethwyg rhuddlas

Synonyms

• Astragalus onobrychis subsp. hypoglottis (Bonnier & Layens)
• Astragalus hypoglottis var. danicus ((Retz.) Fiori)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Magadan (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2013 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2013 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by Marie COUILLET (cc-by-sa)

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

Leaf

Taken May 27, 2017 by Sebastian Unger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Ольга Вихарева (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2022 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 31, 2022 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 22, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:477044-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5342838)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus danicus Retz.)

Specifications

Growth