Milk Vetch Root
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Astragalus membranaceus, Milk Vetch Root
A
2-3 ft. tall Chinese perennial, Milk Vetch Root has sprawling, yellow, pea-like
flowers in late summer. A hardy transplant, it will make seed pods in the
first year. Harvest the root in fall of third year.
Germinates in 5-7 days with scarification or overnight soak. Bottom-water seedlings. Plant out in deep, sandy, well-drained soil after last spring frost. Cover with less than 1/2" soil. Water well. Full sun. Thin to 24" when seedlings have 4-6 leaves.
Said to invigorate chi and strengthen the body's surface resistance and immune system, the “Yellow Emperor” is a superior tonic root in Chinese herbal medicine.