Sea Milkwort

astragalus glaux

Also known as: ["Glaux maritimus","Sea Milk Vetch"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Astragalus Category: Flowers

Overview

A small, coastal plant with silvery foliage and small yellow flowers, native to Mediterranean regions.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Astragalus
Botanical Name: Astragalus glaux

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, xeriscapes, or sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with tolerance for intense light; adjust for extreme heat by providing partial shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or compacted soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water early in the day.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 7.0–7.5).

Use gritty mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers warm to hot temperatures (65–85°F/18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in arid conditions.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut back leggy stems to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Avoid wetting foliage.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to monthly in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf yellowing in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, reduces photosynthesis, and may cause root damage in prolonged cold or frost.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; use frost cloth for protection; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Astragalus glaux may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Astragalus glaux can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death.

Leaf spots on Astragalus glaux may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, reducing photosynthetic efficiency and potentially leading to leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Astragalus glaux is often caused by excessive moisture, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Astragalus glaux is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects associated with its ingestion by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats that may come into contact with or ingest Astragalus glaux.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Astragalus glaux is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects associated with its ingestion by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest Astragalus glaux.
Humans
Non-toxic

Astragalus glaux is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in typical amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human consumption of Astragalus glaux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Astragalus glaux suitable for coastal gardens?

A: Yes, it thrives in coastal conditions due to its salt tolerance.

Q: Does Astragalus glaux attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its small yellow flowers.

Q: How often should Astragalus glaux be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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