Caragana Sinica, commonly known as Chinese Peashrub or Siberian Peashrub, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to China and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world. This plant is popular for its beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Caragana |
Appearance
The Caragana Sinica shrub grows up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has a rounded shape and a dense foliage of small, alternate, pinnate leaves that are light green in color. The leaves have a fine texture and are composed of 6-8 pairs of leaflets. The shrub produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that are pea-shaped and bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by flat seed pods that contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Caragana Sinica is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Here is a brief guide on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Caragana Sinica is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from the following:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the plant sap. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be controlled with fungicide spray.
Habitat
Caragana Sinica is native to China and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America and Europe. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and mountain slopes. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Caragana Sinica deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Caragana Sinica is deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I water Caragana Sinica?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Caragana Sinica grow in shade?
A: No, Caragana Sinica requires full sun exposure to thrive.
Q: When should I fertilize Caragana Sinica?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Caragana arborescens
- Caragana fruticosa
- Caragana microphylla
References
- “Caragana Sinica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287731.
- “Caragana Sinica.” Plant Finder, www.plantfinder.sunset.com/plant-details/860/caragana-sinica.
- “Chinese Peashrub Caragana Sinica.” USDA Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/carsin/all.html.
