Chickpea Milkvetch

astragalus cicer

Chickpea milkvetch (Astragalus cicer), also known as cicer milkvetch, is a hardy, long-lived perennial legume native to Europe and temperate Asia. Widely introduced to other regions including North America, it is highly valued for its robust growth, exceptional forage quality, and utility in soil conservation. Unlike many other species of the Astragalus genus, chickpea milkvetch is completely non-toxic to livestock, lacking the harmful selenium accumulation or nitro-toxins found in its wild relatives. It establishes a dense cover through a vigorous network of underground rhizomes, making it highly effective at stabilizing soils and preventing erosion on slopes and disturbed lands.

Habitat: Thrives in open grasslands, river valleys, forest edges, pastures, and disturbed roadsides within cool, semi-arid climates.

Appearance

This sprawling herb features prostrate to ascending, ribbed stems that grow up to 100 centimeters long, forming lush, low-lying mats. The leaves are pinnately compound, each consisting of 15 to 30 light green, oval leaflets that are smooth on top and lightly hairy underneath. Its pale yellow to creamy white pea-like flowers are closely packed into dense, upright spikes arising from the leaf joints. Upon successful pollination, these flowers give way to distinctive, inflated, bladder-like pods that turn a dark, brownish-black color when ripe and rattle softly in the wind.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusAstragalus

Chickpea Milkvetch

Interesting facts

Its highly competitive, creeping root system makes it an elite choice for reclaiming heavily polluted or compacted soils left behind by open-pit mining operations.

The dried, hollow seed pods swell up like small leather bags and make a distinct rattling maraca-like sound when shaken by the wind or passing animals.

Unlike alfalfa and most clovers, chickpea milkvetch is completely 'bloat-safe' for livestock, allowing animals to graze freely without dangerous gas buildup.

Special abilities

Collaborates with Rhizobium bacteria in its root system to convert atmospheric nitrogen into organic compounds, enriching the surrounding soil.

Spreads aggressively underground via tough rhizomes, allowing it to recover quickly from heavy grazing and hold loose soil together.

Utilizes a deep taproot combined with lateral roots to pull moisture from deep underground, remaining green when other grasses dry out.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-100 cm
Weight: 0.05-0.4 kg
Lifespan: 5-20 years

Diet & Feeding

Produces its own energy through photosynthesis, converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into sugars while absorbing vital minerals from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide
Water
Soil Minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Provides rich nectar and pollen, heavily attracting bumblebees for pollination.

mutualism

Rhizobium bacteria

Rhizobium leguminosarum

Hosts specialized nitrogen-fixing bacteria within its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen.

eaten by

Domestic Sheep

Ovis aries

Graze heavily on the highly nutritious and safe foliage in pastures.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Chickpea Milkvetch?

The easiest way to identify Chickpea Milkvetch is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Chickpea Milkvetch?

30-100 cm

How much does Chickpea Milkvetch weigh?

0.05-0.4 kg

How long does Chickpea Milkvetch live?

5-20 years

What does Chickpea Milkvetch eat?

Produces its own energy through photosynthesis, converting sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into sugars while absorbing vital minerals from the soil.

Where is Chickpea Milkvetch usually found?

Thrives in open grasslands, river valleys, forest edges, pastures, and disturbed roadsides within cool, semi-arid climates.