Astragalus canadensis - Canadian Milkvetch

The Canadian milkvetch is a large bushy perennial, with a slightly wild habit, that can exceed 1m (3ft) in height. In summer it produces long erect clusters, bearing "bean" flowers of a beautiful pale yellow, highly appreciated by bees. This vigorous plant, which likes to take it easy, appreciates open locations with cool or slightly dry, even poor, soil.

Astragalus canadensis belongs to the family of Fabaceae (formerly called Leguminosae). It is native, as its name suggests, to North America, from the southern United States to the cold regions of central Canada. This plant can be found in cool and sandy meadows, thickets and open forest edges, along watercourses, and sometimes also in areas subject to agricultural abandonment. The plant forms a vigorous upright clump with a slightly disordered habit, measuring between 80 cm (32in) and 1.20 m (4ft), adorned with glaucous (bluish) 20 cm (8in) long leaves, divided into 21 to 31 leaflets. Between June and August, long erect clusters measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) tall appear at the ends of the stems, composed of 60 to 75 pretty sulphur-yellow flowers. These flowers, much appreciated by pollinating insects, are typical of the family and resemble those of beans or vetches found in our pastures. They are followed by pointed pods in late summer.

The Canadian milkvetch is a very hardy plant (-30°C (1°F) doesn't scare it!) and accommodating: like many plants belonging to the Fabaceae family, it is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen with the help of bacteria that live in symbiosis in its roots. As a result, it is capable of growing even in a fairly poor environment, which it will gradually enrich. In nature these plants are often pioneers that then allow other more demanding species to establish themselves. You can plant it on a somewhat ungrateful slope, or in a cool or slightly dry, but well-drained meadow, in full sun or light shade. The plant forms a deep taproot that does not like to be disturbed, so it is absolutely necessary to avoid moving it once it is established. In windy situations, or if the soil is too rich, the clump tends to sag, discreet staking can then be useful - although the simplest solution is to plant other plants around it to support it. If it likes its environment, the Canadian milkvetch can self-seed, sometimes in large quantities.

Combine this species with the wild charm of other large meadow perennials, such as giant scabious, yellow centaurea, Alcalthaea 'Parkallee', and the grasses Stipa gigantea or Miscantus sinensis 'Zebrinus', for a spectacular pastoral scene!

NB: Canadian milkvetch has been used for centuries by various Native American peoples, who used its roots in particular for their dermatological and pulmonary properties.