🌿 Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus
herbs perennial herbaceous
🗺️ Zones
4-9
🧪 Soil pH
6.0-7.5 (prefers sandy, well-drained alkaline soil)
📏 Spacing
12-18 in. apart, 24-30 in. between rows
📅 Days to Maturity
2-3 years (from seed); roots harvested after 2-3 years for medicinal quality
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ []
🤝 Companions (5)
Echinacea attracts pollinators that benefit astragalus flowering; both are deep-rooted perennials that thrive together in herb gardens.
Comfrey mines deep minerals with its taproot and provides nutrient-rich mulch (chop-and-drop) that feeds astragalus; complementary root depths.
Yarrow attracts beneficial insects that protect astragalus from pests; both are drought-hardy perennials for the medicinal herb garden.
🤝 chamomile
Chamomile improves soil calcium levels that astragalus needs; its low-growing habit doesn't compete with astragalus's taller form.
Calendula attracts hoverflies and lacewings that prey on astragalus pests; its shallow roots don't interfere with astragalus's deep taproot.
⚠️ Keep Apart (1)
⚠️ waterlogged-soil plants
Growth inhibition or competition
💊 Medicinal Uses
Contains astragalosides (immune-modulating saponins), polysaccharides (T-cell stimulators), and flavonoids. Cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Qi tonic. Adaptogenic: supports immune function, cardiovascular health, and kidney function. Used for chronic fatigue, frequent colds, and recovery from illness. Research on telomerase activation for anti-aging.