About
Astragalus cicer is a rhizomatous perennial that typically reaches heights of 60 to 100 cm and has a spreading to semi-erect growth habit. Its leaves are pinnate, consisting of 17 to 31 leaflets. In early summer, the plant produces flowers that range from white to pale yellow, which are succeeded by robust, hairy seed pods that are notably inflated.
About the genus
Astragalus species can be either annual or perennial plants, characterized by typically pinnate leaves. The flowers, which resemble those of peas, may be pink, purple, yellow, or white and are borne in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, SW Asia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grown in well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes strongly acidic soils
- Pruning
- Trim back in the autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to root, crown and stem rots