Canadian milkvetch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canadian milkvetch |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Astragalus
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| Species: |
canadensis
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The Canadian milkvetch (scientific name: Astragalus canadensis) is a common plant. You can find it in many places across Canada and the United States. This plant is part of the legume family, which also includes peas and beans. It's known for its unique appearance and how it grows.
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Discovering Canadian Milkvetch
The Canadian milkvetch is a widespread plant. It grows in many different environments. These include wet areas like wetlands, forests, and open grasslands called prairies. It's a tough plant that can adapt to various conditions.
What Does Canadian Milkvetch Look Like?
Canadian milkvetch plants have several thin, green stems. These stems grow straight up. The leaves of this plant are special. They are made up of many smaller leaflets. Each leaflet can be up to 3 centimeters long.
The plant also produces flowers. These flowers grow in groups called inflorescences. They are shaped like tubes and are a greenish-white color. After the flowers, the plant makes fruits. These fruits are like small beans inside pods. When the pods dry out, they can rattle!
Traditional Uses of Canadian Milkvetch
Like some other plants in its group, Canadian milkvetch has certain natural compounds. Historically, some Native American groups used this plant for medicine. For example, the Blackfoot and Lakota people used parts of the plant, especially its roots. They used it in their traditional healing practices.
Gallery of photos
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Canadian milkvetch with seedpods and blooms
