Astragalus cicer

Astragalus cicer
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Astragalus
Species:	A. cicer
Binomial name
Astragalus cicer L., 1753

Astragalus cicer, the chickpea milkvetch, chick-pea milk-vetch or cicer milkvetch, is a perennial flowering plant native to Eastern Europe, popularized and subsequently transported to areas in Southern Europe, North America, and South America. It produces pods that resemble those of chickpeas. Its flowers are usually of pale yellow tint (sometimes white), and attract bumble or European honey bees for pollination. Growth often exceeds 0.6 meters, up to a height of 1 meter in length.

Distribution

Astragalus cicer is suited best to grow in the Rocky Mountain area in the United States; however, it has been shown that cicer milkvetch also flourishes in coastal areas – and more specifically has been found to perform well in the coasts of Alaska. Because cicer milkvetch displays high tolerance to drought, it has been shown to survive in dryland areas of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming that often receive less than 14 in (360 mm) of yearly rain.

Habitat and ecology

In general, cicer milkvetch can be seen to grow in the fringes of forests, meadows, and alongside streams; however, it has also been reported that the plant proliferates along roadsides. Cicer milkvetch has the capacity to grow in a vast amount soil types and textures, such as clay and sand. As such, it has been shown to proliferate in coarsely-textured soil. Excessive salt proves to be harmful to the plant. Soils deviating from the 6.0 to 8.1 pH range are also indicative of a less-than-desirable condition for growth. Despite these few restrictions, cicer milkvetch persists excellently in less nutrient-rich or disturbed soils. Although the plant grows exceptionally well in higher temperatures, it has been shown to exhibit slow-growth at temperatures as low as 7 to 18 °C. Drought tolerance is another important aspect in regards to the inherent durability of the plant. In regards to obtaining adequate amounts of nitrogen, cicer milkvetch employs a mutualistic relationship with rhizobia bacteria.

Morphology

Cicer milkvetch exhibits rhizomes (sometimes referred to as creeping roots), or an extended horizontal stem propagated underground, which continuously grow as the plant ages. Thus, the plant becomes increasingly vigorous with time. In regards to proliferation, cicer milkvetch spreads by its utilization of rhizomatous growth, in addition to reproduction via seeds. Seeds (produced by pods) have a very thick integument (or seed coat) which requires scarification to proceed towards germination. The hardy aspect of the seed coat acts as a preventative barrier against microbial invasion. In addition, the thickness of the seed coat reduces the capacity for water absorption, which in turn allows for the seed to remain dormant for a longer period of time. Stipules are readily observed and green in color. Leaves are compound and alternate.

Cicer milkvetch; infructescence

Flowers and fruit

Flowers of Astragalus cicer are pale yellow and 15–16 cm in length. The 15 to 60 flowers in the inflorescence grow in a raceme (as illustrated in the adjacent image). The flowers of a cicer milkvetch have a 5-lobed hairy calyx. They are asympetalous: the petals are not fused. Stamens come in sets of 9 to 10. Cicer milkvetch bears fruit in the form of a legume. Pods also exhibit a pale yellow color, whilst turning black when fully mature.

Usage

Cicer milkvetch has several agricultural uses: it can be used for soil stabilization as well as hay or pasture with the good nutritional value typical of legumes and the benefit of this plant's non-bloat characteristics for livestock.