Cicer milkvetch

Astragalus cicer

Medium, long-lived perennial; spreading rhizomatous growth habit, useful for reclamation and erosion control. Slow to establish, but competitive in mixes over time. Fair drought tolerance, cold hardy, poor acid tolerance. Long-lived, nitrogen-fixing perennial legume with vigorous rhizomes and showy pale yellow to white flowers. Adapted to all soil textures; moderately tolerant of acidic, alkaline and salty soils. Somewhat drought tolerant, but also suitable for wet subirrigated soils. Cold hardy; up to 7,000 ft. elevation. Non-bloating, excellent for hay and pasture; moderate value for wildlife habitat. Yield is similar to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)in areas with long growing seasons. Higher protein content than many other legumes, but somewhat less palatable. Heavy grazing stimulates growth and increases stand density. Establishes slowly due to poor seedling vigor, but competitive over time. Also use in mixtures on streambanks, roadsides, mine tailings and as a cover crop in orchards and vineyards. Seeds are eaten by birds, including sage-grouse. Primarily pollinated by native bumblebees. Varieties listed below.