Chorispora tenella
Chorispora tenellafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 7B08 — Chorispora tenella
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IOverview
Overview
Chorispora tenella, commonly known as the Siberian pea shrub, is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of regions including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, China North-Central and Southeast, parts of Europe, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, and various other Central Asian countries. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to diverse environments. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils and is hardy in zones 7-10. Known for its edible leaves, Chorispora tenella is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its ornamental appeal. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow up to 0.2 meters tall, contributing to its presence in various landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Chorispora tenella?
Chorispora tenella, commonly known as the Siberian pea shrub, is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of regions including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, China North-Central and Southeast, parts of Europe, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, and various other Central Asian countries.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chorispora tenella thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. This annual plant is hardy in zones 7-10 and reaches a height of about 20 cm. For best results, sow seeds directly where they are to grow, as this plant does not transplant well. Harvest the edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chorispora tenella for the first time
8steps
Skip is a straightforward annual plant for beginners to grow, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small pot or garden bed, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; for containers, choose a pot at least 30 cm wide. Ensure good sunlight exposure.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rot, ensuring soil stays slightly moist. Keep an eye out for pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure; water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize lightly if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting sunlight exposure, not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Chorispora tenella are edible and can be consumed fresh or dried. They are typically used in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews for additional nutrition. Skip the detailed preparation instructions as they were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 29 native· 1 introduced
Europe3 regions
native (3)BulgariaRussiaUkraine
Asia9 regions
native (9)AfghanistanChinaIranKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Tadzhikistan, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia, Altay, Kirgizstan, Transcaucasus, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Kentucky
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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