Astragalus membranaceus
- Flower nameAstragalus membranaceus
- Scientific nameAstragalus membranaceus
- Alias黄花黄耆, タイツリオウギ
- Place of originChina
- Place of floweringFields and footpaths
- Flowering seasonJuly, August, September
What is Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus membranaceus or commonly called as Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) is a high-altitude, non-heat-tolerant perennial herb in the legume family, native to China, the Korean Peninsula, Mongolia, and Russia. It is also known as "Tai-tsuri-ougi".
In its native regions, it grows in sandy areas and grasslands of (sub-)alpine zones. The plant grows to a height of 50-80 cm with erect stems. From August to September (in high-altitude areas), it extends racemes from the stem tips, bearing pale yellowish-white flowers. After flowering, it produces fruits shaped like sea bream. The seeds are black and kidney-shaped.
Uses
The thick, long, somewhat woody roots are used as the medicinal herb "Huang Qi." Huang Qi is included in traditional Chinese medicines such as "Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang," "Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang," and "Shi Quan Da Bu Tang," and is believed to have hypotensive and diuretic effects.
Origin of the Name
The Japanese name "Huang Qi" comes from the yellow color of the roots ("黄") and "耆," meaning elder or senior.
Flower Language
"Heartwarming"
Common Name: Astragalus membranaceus or Huang Qi
Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Also Known As: "Tai-tsuri-ougi" (鯛釣黄耆)
English Name: Membranous milkvetch, Mongolian milkvetch
Origin: China, Korean Peninsula, Mongolia, Russia
Life Form: Perennial herb
Classification: Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Fabales, Fabaceae, Astragalus, A. membranaceus
Height: 50-80 cm
Stem: Erect
Leaf Shape: Odd-pinnate compound
Leaflets: 6-13 pairs, elliptical
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Flowering Period: August to September (high-altitude areas), July to September (lowlands)
Flower Color: Pale yellow
Flower Shape: Papilionaceous
Medicinal Part: Root
Uses: Traditional Chinese medicines "Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang," "Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang," "Shi Quan Da Bu Tang"
Effects: Hypotensive, diuretic