Astragalus boeticus Swedish coffee (Leguminosae)

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Astragalus boeticus
Swedish coffee
(1 Page of 5)

The Astragalus boeticus plant species is found in S.W. Europe - Spain. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Swedish coffee.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Astragalus boeticus
Common Name:  Swedish coffee
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Many members of this genus contain toxic glycosides[65]. All species with edible seedpods can be distinguished by their fleshy round or oval seedpod that looks somewhat like a greengage.[85] A number of species can also accumulate toxic levels of selenium when grown in soils that are relatively rich in that element[65].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Sandy places and arable fields[50].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a dry well-drained soil in a sunny position[1]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Cultivated in some parts of N. Europe for its seed which is used as a coffee substitute[61, 183]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions whilst still small[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen. Many members of this genus can be difficult to grow, this may partly be due to a lack of their specific bacterial associations in the soil[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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