Canada Milkvetch (Astragalus canadensis) Sometimes referred to as Canadian Milkvetch. A legume found throughout the Tallgrass Prairie region on wet to dry prairies and in open woods, along roadsides and in open areas that have seen some disturbance. Flowers are greenish cream color and hairy, blooming from mid - July to the end of August. Generally grows to 2 to 3 feet tall. Canada Milkvetch prefers wet mesic, mesic soil conditions and grows well in full sun to partial shade. Common nector source for bees (honey and bumble). Also a food source for deer, groundhogs, rabbits and livestock.

Astragalus from the ancient Greek words meaning "star" and "milk". Canadensis from Latin and meaning "of Canada".

 

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Sun Exposure	Prairie, Savanna
Soil Moisture	Mesic, Wet Mesic, Dry Mesic
Bloom Time	Spring, Summer June, July, August
Bloom Color	Cream, White
Max Height	3 feet
Wetland Code	FAC+/td>
Germ Code	C(10), H I
Seeds Per Packet	500
Seeds Per Ounce	17,000

 

Edible Uses:
Root: Raw or boiled. They were often used in a broth. The roots are gathered in spring or autumn. Some caution is advised, if the root is bitter it could be due to the presence of toxic alkaloids.

Medicinal Uses:
The root is analgesic and antihaemorrhagic. It can be chewed or used as a tea to treat chest and back pains, coughs and the spitting up of blood. A decoction of the root is used as a febrifuge for children. A poultice made from the chewed root has been used to treat cuts.

Herbal Uses:
Unknown