Origin
Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as “New Mexico milkvetch” and is native to the southwestern United States, particularly to New Mexico, Arizona, and Sonora.
Common Names
Besides “New Mexico milkvetch,” this plant is known by several other common names, including “New Mexico locoweed” and “New Mexico groundplum.”
Uses
The Astragalus neomexicanus plant species has several uses. It has been traditionally used by Native American groups for medicinal purposes, such as to treat colds, coughs, and other respiratory disorders. The roots of the plant have been used for their diuretic and tonic properties. Additionally, the plant has been used as food by some tribes in the past.
General Appearance
The Astragalus neomexicanus is a perennial plant that grows up to 1-2 feet tall, depending on the conditions it is growing in. The plant has alternate pinnate leaves that are divided into 7-13 leaflets. The flowers of the plant are small and are usually purplish-blue. The fruit it produces is a legume enclosing several seeds. The plant prefers to grow in dry or sandy soils, and it is tolerant to drought.
Light Requirements
Astragalus neomexicanus typically requires full sun exposure or partial shade for optimal growth. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate direct sunlight for long periods of time. However, if grown in hotter regions, it is advised to provide some amount of shade to prevent overheating and sun damage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a warm, dry climate. In its native regions of Southern and Western United States, it can survive in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 38°C. However, to ensure proper growth, it is advised to maintain a consistent temperature of 15°C to 28°C. Extreme temperature fluctuations can result in stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The growth of Astragalus neomexicanus largely depends on the type of soil it is planted in. It requires well-drained soil with a pH between 6 to 8.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types from sandy to clay, but it is advised to mix in organic matter such as compost to enhance its growth. The plant has a taproot that can reach up to 3 meters deep, allowing it to thrive in regions with low water availability.
Cultivation methods
Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. is a perennial plant that is native to the southwestern United States. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil, preferably in areas with low humidity. The plant is most commonly propagated through seed, which should be sown in the fall. The seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location after they have reached 6 inches in height. The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the spring and summer. Propagation through division should be avoided as it can damage the plant's taproot.
Watering needs
The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. It can tolerate drought conditions, but the soil should not be allowed to completely dry out. Watering should be reduced in the fall to prepare the plant for winter dormancy. During dormancy, the plant requires very little water.
Fertilization
Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. does not require much fertilization. It should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
The plant does not require much pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can promote continued bloom production. Pruning should be done in the spring to remove any dead or damaged growth. The plant can be cut back to the ground in the fall after it has died back to prepare for winter dormancy.
Propagation of Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl.
Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl., also known as New Mexico milkvetch, can be propagated through two primary methods - seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation:
The most common method for propagating Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. is by sowing seeds. Seeds should be collected from mature pods in the fall or early winter as soon as the pods begin to show signs of opening. The collected seeds must be kept in a dry environment until ready to plant.
The stratification process is essential for Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. seeds to break dormancy. This requires placing seeds in a moist soil medium at a temperature between 1°C to 5°C for a specific period (12-16 weeks).
After stratification, seeds can be planted directly in the soil or started in a container and transplanted. Optimum germination and growth occur in moist, sandy soil with a moderately acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0) at temperatures of 20°C to 25°C.
Vegetative Propagation:
Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. can also propagate vegetatively through methods such as stem cuttings or layering. However, vegetative propagation is not as reliable as the seed-propagation method.
Stem cuttings can be taken in the summer by cutting the stem to a length of 5-15cm and planting it in a container filled with a rooting medium such as sand or peat moss. The container must be kept in a humid environment and at a temperature between 15°C to 30°C. The stem cutting will root within 4-6 weeks.
Another vegetative propagation method is layering. This propagation method involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground, wounding the stem and then covering it with soil. Roots develop at the point of damage, and when they have formed, the stem can be separated from the parent plant and replanted.
Disease Management
Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to some common plant diseases. Here are several diseases that may affect this plant and how to manage them.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on the leaves and stems of Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. plants. The disease can also cause defoliation and stunted growth. To manage anthracnose, remove any infected plant material and avoid watering the plant from overhead. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease.
Rust
Rust is another common fungal disease that can affect Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. plants. This disease causes powdery orange or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. Rust can be managed by removing any infected plant material and applying fungicides to the plant.
Pest Management
Astragalus neomexicanus Woot. & Standl. is also susceptible to some common pests. Here are some pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of plants and can cause yellowing or curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, a strong spray of water can be used to knock them off the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to manage aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. Spider mites can be managed by washing the plant with a strong spray of water or by applying insecticidal sprays.
