Five Chinese milk vetch（Astragalus sinicus） varieties were selected to make a comparison in order to screen effective varieties which could suit for the double-rice cropping system of Hunan Province. The results showed that the growth period of Xiangzi 2 is shorter than that of Xiangfei 2, Xiangfei 3 and Yujiangdaye,and is similar to that of Xinyang Chinese milk vetch. The full-bloom stage of Xiangzi 2 is also similar to Xinyang variety and obviously earlier than that of the other three varieties. The fresh grass yield of Xiangzi 2 in full-bloom stage is 23 842.5kg/hm^2, which increases by 39.9% compared with Xinyang variety. Nitrogen content in the fresh grass of Xiangzi 2 is higher than that of the other four varieties. In conclusion, Xiangzi 2 is an extremely early-blossoming and early-maturing Chinese milk vetch variety with moderate fresh grass yield, high nutrient contents, stable characters and wide adaptability. So, Xiangzi 2 is suitable for planting in double-rice cropping region in Hunan Province and other same latitude regions which have similar ecological conditions.
