Pygmy Peashrub
Caragana pygmaeafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. CB2E — Caragana pygmaea
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IOverview
Overview
Pygmy Peashrub (Caragana pygmaea) is a small deciduous shrub native to the mountainous regions of Altay, Buryatiya, Inner Mongolia, Irkutsk, Kazakhstan, Krasnoyarsk, Mongolia, and Tuva. Known for its hardiness in zones 3-7, this plant thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions with light (sandy) or medium soil. Pygmy Peashrub reaches a height of about 1.2 meters and is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its edible roots, which can be consumed after proper preparation.
Quick answers
What is Pygmy Peashrub?
Pygmy Peashrub (Caragana pygmaea) is a small deciduous shrub native to the mountainous regions of Altay, Buryatiya, Inner Mongolia, Irkutsk, Kazakhstan, Krasnoyarsk, Mongolia, and Tuva.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pygmy Peashrub thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that is light (sandy) to medium. It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist environments. This hardy shrub, which grows up to 1.2 meters tall, is suitable for temperate regions with USDA zones 3-7. For propagation, root cuttings are an effective method. Enjoy its edible parts, including the roots, while ensuring it gets adequate sunlight and appropriate soil conditions.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pygmy Peashrub for the first time
8steps
Start with Pygmy Peashrub for a low-maintenance, hardy addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is workable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light soil. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, or plant small plants at the same depth they were in their pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only when dry, prune lightly in spring to shape. Watch for signs of overwatering or frost damage.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain size and shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight, and waiting too long to plant.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Pygmy Peashrub's roots are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are often cooked or dried before consumption. Skip the raw form as it may not be palatable.
Other uses:Fire starterWeaving materialNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 10 native· 3 introduced
Europe3 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (2)BelarusUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaKazakhstanMongolia
Broader regions
native:Altay, Buryatiya, Irkutsk, Tuva, Krasnoyarsk
introduced:Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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