Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae family, typically growing between 50 and 150 cm in height. It features long main roots with a diameter of 1 to 3 cm. The stems are erect, slightly ribbed, and covered with white hairs. The leaves are odd-pinnate compound, with hairy petioles. Each leaf has between 13 to 31 elliptic to oblong-ovate leaflets, measuring 7–30 mm in length and 4–12 mm in width. The leaflet tips are rounded or slightly indented, sometimes with small spines, while the base is rounded and densely covered with white, fine hairs underneath. The stipules are narrow and lanceolate, approximately 6 mm long, also with white villi.
The plant produces racemes in the upper leaf axils, bearing 5 to 20 flowers. The pedicels elongate significantly when the fruit develops. The flowers are yellow or pale yellow, measuring 12–18 mm in length, with linear sepals. The calyx is bell-shaped, about 5–7 mm long, covered in white hairs, and slightly toothed at the top, with teeth about one-fifth to one-fourth the length of the calyx tube. The standard petal is obovate, slightly concave at the tip, and lacks a claw. The wing and keel petals are equal in length, slightly shorter than the standard, and all have long claws. The ovary is stalked and pubescent.
The fruit is an inflated, oval-oblong capsule, 2–3.5 cm long, with a short beak at the apex and a long stem at the base. The pericarp is membranous, covered in black hairs, and may occasionally mix with white hairs. Each capsule contains 3 to 8 seeds. Flowering occurs from June to August, with fruits maturing from July to September.
Ecologically, Astragalus membranaceus thrives in cool climates and exhibits strong drought and cold resistance. However, it is sensitive to excessive heat and waterlogging, which can inhibit growth or cause root rot. It prefers deep, fertile, loose, well-drained sandy soils and does not grow well in clay. It is commonly found in forest edges, shrubs, open woodlands, and meadows, typically at elevations between 800 and 1300 meters. This species is native to northern and northwestern China, including Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Hebei provinces. It also grows in parts of the former Soviet Union, North Korea, and Mongolia, and is found in Jixian City as well.
In cultivation, Astragalus membranaceus is primarily propagated by seeds. Sowing is usually done in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October). Due to the hard seed coat, mechanical scarification is recommended before planting to improve germination. The soil should remain moist after sowing, and the ideal temperature for germination is 18–20°C. Germination typically takes around 9 days. In case of heavy rainfall, proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging.
This plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is classified as a nationally protected species in China. Its roots are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for nourishing purposes and also have applications in veterinary medicine. Extracts from the rhizomes have shown inhibitory effects against potato late blight. Additionally, Astragalus plays an important role in soil and water conservation, making it both ecologically and economically significant.
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