Siberian pea shrub
Caragana arborescens
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Pl. D8E4 — Caragana arborescens
Caragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescensCaragana arborescens
IOverview
Overview
The Siberian pea shrub is a perennial tree or shrub native to a vast region including Altay, Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Kazakhstan, and others. It is known to be edible, with its seeds and seedpods being the utilized parts. This plant is adapted to various conditions, including dry to moist soils and a wide range of soil pH. One of its distinctive features is its ability to thrive in different light and soil conditions, making it a hardy species. Its growth habit is characterized by a relatively narrow width compared to its height, reaching up to 6 meters tall. Overall, the Siberian pea shrub is a notable species in its native range, with its edible properties and adaptability to different environments.
Quick answers
What is Siberian pea shrub?
The Siberian pea shrub is a perennial tree or shrub native to a vast region including Altay, Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Kazakhstan, and others. It is known to be edible, with its seeds and seedpods being the utilized parts. This plant is adapted to various conditions, including dry to moist soils and a wide range of soil pH.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
This perennial shrub or tree prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 5 and 8.5, and can thrive in light to medium soil types. It requires a moderate amount of water, tolerating both dry and moist conditions. With a high light preference, it should be planted in a sunny location. Hardy in temperate regions, its hardiness range is between 2 and 7. To propagate, specific methods are not provided, but it can be grown from seed, which is also edible along with the seedpod.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
2-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
6.0 m × 1 m
Soil pH
5–8.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Siberian pea shrub for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Siberian pea shrub in your garden for a low-maintenance, hardy addition.
- 1
What you'll need
Siberian pea shrub seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is workable but not too wet.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5 and 8.5, and prepare a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in late fall for natural stratification or start young plants indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells, prune in late winter to maintain shape, and apply a thin layer of compost annually.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and encourage new growth; seeds can be harvested after pods turn brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones, not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:CompanionDyeFiberHedgerowoilWind breakerErosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 12 native· 18 introduced
Europe4 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (3)BelarusBulgariaRussia
Asia4 regions
native (3)ChinaKazakhstanMongolia
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Tuva, Yakutskiya, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Altay
introduced:Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Vermont, Wisconsin, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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