Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
creticus
ID:
214222

Status:
valid

Authors:
Lam.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1783

Citation Micro:
Encycl.1: 321 (1783)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000213551



Common Names

  • Cretan Milkvetch
  • Cretan Astragalus
  • Cretan Locoweed


Searching for Astragalus creticus? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Synonyms

  • Astracantha cretica (Lam.) Podlech [deprecated]
  • Astragalus creticus eu-creticus Hayek [unknown]
  • Tragacantha cretica (Lam.) Steven [valid]
  • Astracantha cretica (Lam.) Podlech [valid]

Description

Astragalus creticus (also called Cretan Milkvetch, among many other common names) is an annual or perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has a deep taproot and grows to a height of up to 1.2 meters. Its leaves are pinnately compound and its flowers are usually white or yellow. It is found in dry, sandy soils, and is often found in coastal areas.

Uses & Benefits

Astragalus creticus is used as a medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine. It is also used as a food additive and for its antioxidant properties.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Astragalus creticus sub. minoicus Brullo & Giusso
Astragalus creticus sub. creticus

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Astragalus creticus is a small, yellow-green pea-like flower. The seed is a small, dark brown, curved legume. The seedlings are small, light green, and have two to four leaflets.

Searching for Astragalus creticus? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Astragalus creticus is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by dividing the clumps of plants in the spring or early summer. The plants can also be propagated by seed, though germination can be slow and erratic.

Where to Find Astragalus creticus

Astragalus creticus can be found in the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus.

Astragalus creticus FAQ

What is the scientific name of Astragalus creticus?

Astragalus creticus

What type of plant is Astragalus creticus?

It is a perennial herb

What is the natural habitat of Astragalus creticus?

It is found in dry grasslands and scrub in the Mediterranean region

Species in the Astragalus genus

Astragalus rumelicus, Astragalus nevadensis, Astragalus tymphresteus, Astragalus alpinus, Astragalus penduliflorus, Astragalus anni-novi, Astragalus austroargentinus, Astragalus beatleyae, Astragalus iselyi, Astragalus moranii, Astragalus neoburkartianus, Astragalus neuquenensis, Astragalus oxyphysopsis, Astragalus phoenix, Astragalus sanctorum, Astragalus schinetorum, Astragalus amnis-amissi, Astragalus ampullarius, Astragalus andersonii, Astragalus anemophilus, Astragalus anisus, Astragalus applegatii, Astragalus aquilonius, Astragalus arequipensis, Astragalus argentinus, Astragalus argophyllus, Astragalus aridus, Astragalus arizonicus, Astragalus arrectus, Astragalus arthurii, Astragalus asclepiadoides, Astragalus asplundii, Astragalus asymmetricus, Astragalus atratus, Astragalus austiniae, Astragalus beathii, Astragalus beckwithii, Astragalus bellus, Astragalus bernardinus, Astragalus berteri, Astragalus bicristatus, Astragalus bisulcatus, Astragalus bodinii, Astragalus bolanderi, Astragalus bourgovii, Astragalus brackenridgei, Astragalus brandegei, Astragalus brauntonii, Astragalus brazoensis, Astragalus breweri,

Species in the Fabaceae family