Astragalus sinicus, commonly known as Chinese milkvetch or renge, is an annual herb in the legume family, native to riverbanks and grasslands in East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Taiwan. It is a leguminous plant that typically grows to a height of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) and is characterized by its compound leaves and small, pea-like flowers that are usually purple or violet in color, blooming from April to May. The plant is not particularly showy, but it is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enriches the soil.

Chinese milkvetch is primarily used in agriculture as a green manure crop due to its capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby improving soil fertility for subsequent crops. It is also used for erosion control and as forage for livestock. In cultivation, Astragalus sinicus prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance and can be easily propagated by seed. While not commonly grown for ornamental purposes, it can be used in wildflower meadows or as a cover crop in vegetable gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0