Sprawling milk vetch (Astragalus depressus, Cent. Pl. II: 29 (1756))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. II: 29 (1756)

Year: 1756

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astragalus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SC. Europe to Medit.

Description

The sprawling milk vetch, or Astragalus depressus, is a captivating and unique member of the Fabaceae family. First described by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Centuria Plantarum” published in 1756, this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.

One of the notable characteristics of the sprawling milk vetch is its intricate growth habit. As its common name suggests, it tends to spread out or sprawl across the ground, creating a dense mat of foliage that can help prevent soil erosion and provide ground cover. The plant is native to Southern Central Europe and the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in a variety of habitats. This geographic distribution suggests that Astragalus depressus is well-suited to the temperate climates found in these areas, with the ability to tolerate both dry and moderately moist conditions.

The foliage of the sprawling milk vetch is delicate and fern-like, typical of many members of the Fabaceae family. Its leaves are compound and divided into numerous small leaflets, which can create a soft and airy appearance. During its bloom period, Astragalus depressus produces clusters of charming flowers. These blossoms are typically a pale, subtle shade but can also vary, bringing a delicate grace to the plant’s overall look.

Astragalus depressus is often studied for its ecological roles as well. Like many legumes, it has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which allows it to improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This characteristic makes it an essential plant in its native habitats and valuable in agricultural practices aiming for sustainability and soil health.

Overall, the sprawling milk vetch is not just a plant of scientific interest but also offers practical benefits to gardeners and ecologists. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and contribute to soil health makes it a worthy addition to both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

En: Sprawling milk vetch, Sprawling Milkvetch
Fr: Astragale nain, Astragale prostré
De: Liege-Tragant, Niedriger Tragant, Niederliegender Tragant
It: Astragalo depresso

Synonyms

• Astragalus leucophaeus (Sm.)
• Craccina leucophaea ((Sm.) Steven)
• Astragalus depressus var. tasheliensis (Erik & Sümbül)
• Astragalus depressus f. leucophaeus ((Sm.) Hayek)
• Astragalus depressus var. bonannii ((C.Presl) Heldr.)
• Craccina depressa ((L.) Steven)
• Astragalus depressus var. hirtus (Diklić)
• Astragalus bonannii (C.Presl)
• Astragalus bonannianus (Bunge)
• Astragalus depressus subsp. bonannii ((C.Presl) Arcang.)
• Astragalus depressus var. medius (Cuatrec.)
• Astragalus depressus var. leucophaeus ((Sm.) Asch. & Kanitz)
• Tragacantha depressa ((L.) Kuntze)
• Astragalus depressus f. helminthocarpus ((Vill.) Rouy)
• Astragalus chionophyllus (Kotschy ex Bunge)
• Tragacantha leucophaea ((Sm.) Kuntze)
• Astragalus depressus var. helminthocarpus ((Vill.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Astragalus depressus var. ioleucus (Griseb.)
• Astragalus helminthocarpus (Vill.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 8, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 11, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yves DEMANGE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jun 8, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 6, 1993 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 1993 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© 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)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5346020)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:477110-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astragalus depressus L.)

Specifications

Growth