Chinese Milk Vetch
Astragalus sinicusfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 8FDA — Astragalus sinicus
Astragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicusAstragalus sinicus
IOverview
Overview
Chinese Milk Vetch, scientifically known as Astragalus sinicus and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a biennial plant native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This hardy plant thrives in light, moist conditions with well-draining soil that is either sandy or medium in texture. It requires full sun exposure and grows to about 0.2 meters in height. Chinese Milk Vetch is both edible and medicinal; its leaves and seeds are commonly consumed. Its distinctive features include its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic bacteria, enhancing soil fertility, and its use in traditional medicine for various ailments.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Milk Vetch?
Chinese Milk Vetch, scientifically known as Astragalus sinicus and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a biennial plant native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
What is Chinese Milk Vetch used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Chinese Milk Vetch
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditionally used for immune support, Astragalus sinicus is recommended as an adjunct in boosting the body’s defenses according to Chinese medicine (Bencao Gangmu).
Mechanism not fully characterised in modern literature; traditional attribution predates chemistry. Contains flavonoids and saponins typical for the Fabaceae family, which may support immune function through multiple pathways.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Immune Boost
immunetincture
Enhances the body's natural defenses.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Milk Vetch thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. This biennial plant grows to about 0.2 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist during the growing season for optimal leaf and seed production.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Biennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Milk Vetch for the first time
8steps
Chinese Milk Vetch is a straightforward plant for beginners to grow.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer when the soil is moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, well-draining soil. Containers should be at least 30 cm wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm deep in rows 45 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in early spring to encourage new growth. No need for seed harvesting as it's not commonly done.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Chinese Milk Vetch is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are often eaten fresh or dried, while the seeds may be cooked in various dishes. Both parts add a mild flavor to meals when prepared appropriately.
Other uses:Cover cropNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native· 1 introduced
Asia5 regions
native (4)ChinaSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
introduced (1)Japan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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