Overview
Astragalus obcordatus Ell., commonly known as the Sensitive Joint-vetch, is a herbaceous plant species of the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to eastern North America and can be found growing in moist areas, such as meadows, wet savannas, and along the shores of rivers and ponds.
Appearance
The Sensitive Joint-vetch is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of about one foot. The plant has dark green, oval-shaped leaves that are divided into leaflets, giving them a feathery appearance. The leaves are very sensitive and quickly fold up when touched or exposed to direct sunlight. The plant features tiny, pale pink to purple flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers grow in clusters on top of the stems and produce a small, oblong-shaped seed pod that contains the plant's seeds.
Uses
The Sensitive Joint-vetch has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes. The plant was used to treat a variety of ailments, such as fever, inflammation, and stomach problems. The roots of the plant contain flavonoids and saponins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is also used as a forage crop for domestic livestock and wildlife. Some species of butterflies and moths also use the plant as a host plant for their larvae.
Common Name
The common name of Astragalus obcordatus Ell. is the Sensitive Joint-vetch. The name is derived from the plant's unique trait of having leaves that are very sensitive to touch or sun exposure.
Growth Conditions of Astragalus Obcordatus Ell.
Astragalus obcordatus Ell., commonly known as the Kidney-leaved Milk Vetch, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It can be found in the southeastern parts of the United States and grows in a variety of habitats including rocky slopes, woodlands, and prairies.
Light Requirements
This plant thrives in areas that receive partial to full sunlight. It prefers areas where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with hot summers, it's ideal to provide some shade in the afternoon to prevent the plant from being scorched by the sun.
Temperature Requirements
The Kidney-leaved Milk Vetch prefers moderate temperatures. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it's best grown in an environment with average daytime temperatures of 75°F and nighttime temperatures of 55-60°F. The plant can tolerate temperature drops as low as 20°F but only for a short period.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Astragalus obcordatus is well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter with high fertility levels. The plant prefers soils that are loamy, sandy, or sandy loam. It's important to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Lastly, it is essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Astragalus obcordatus Ell. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate some shade.
The best time to plant Astragalus obcordatus Ell. is in the fall or early spring. To plant, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Be sure to space each plant at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering Needs
Astragalus obcordatus Ell. likes to be kept consistently moist, but it should not be overwatered. Too much water can cause root rot and lead to the death of the plant. Water deeply once a week, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to a depth of at least six inches.
During periods of extreme heat or drought, increase the watering frequency to twice a week.
Fertilization
Astragalus obcordatus Ell. is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilization. However, for optimal growth and flowering, it is recommended to fertilize once a year in the spring.
Choose a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, and apply it according to the package directions. Be sure to water the plant well after applying the fertilizer to help it absorb the nutrients.
Pruning
Astragalus obcordatus Ell. does not require much pruning, but it's important to keep an eye on it and remove any dead or diseased branches as needed. Pruning is best done in the early spring before new growth appears.
If the plant becomes too leggy or unruly, it can be pruned back by up to a third of its size, but it's important not to remove more than a third at a time to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Astragalus obcordatus Ell.
Astragalus obcordatus Ell. can be propagated through several methods including seeds, cuttings, and root division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most commonly used method of propagation for Astragalus obcordatus Ell. The seeds of this plant require both scarification and stratification before germination. Scarification means nicking or scraping the seed coat to break the dormancy and allow moisture and air to penetrate to the embryo. Stratification is the process of exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for a certain period of time to simulate winter conditions.
To scarify the seeds of Astragalus obcordatus Ell., soak them in hot water for 24 hours, then nick the seed coat with a knife or sandpaper. After scarification, stratify the seeds for 30-90 days at 40°F (4°C) before planting.
Propagation by Cuttings
Astragalus obcordatus Ell. can be propagated using stem cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a growing medium such as sandy soil or vermiculite. Make sure that the cuttings are taken from green and healthy stems. To root the cuttings, keep them moist and warm until new roots are formed.
Propagation by Root Division
Root division is another method used to propagate Astragalus obcordatus Ell. This method involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections with each section having a healthy root system. Ensure that each section has at least one shoot and a few roots, then plant them in a growing medium.
Disease Management
Astragalus obcordatus Ell., commonly known as Tennessee milkvetch, is generally a hardy plant and is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it is occasionally affected by certain diseases that can limit the plant's growth and productivity.
One common disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew, which creates a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stem. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid overhead watering, which can promote the spread of the fungus. Additionally, the infected leaves and stems should be pruned off and destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
Astragalus obcordatus Ell. is also subject to pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common pests that can affect the plant is the legume pod borer, which feeds on the pods and can cause significant crop losses. To manage this pest, it is important to scout the field regularly and remove any affected pods before the larvae have a chance to emerge.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the bean leaf beetle, which can damage the foliage and feed on the developing pods. To manage this pest, it is recommended to plant the crop early, as young plants are less attractive to the beetles. Additionally, the use of row covers can help to prevent the beetles from reaching the plants. In severe cases, insecticides can be used to control the infestation.
