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Description
Astragalus breweri is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to the western United States, specifically to California and Nevada. The plant can grow up to 50 cm tall and has a woody base with several stems. The leaves are compound and consist of 5-11 leaflets. The flowers are pink-purple and bloom from April to August. The fruit is a legume pod containing seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Astragalus breweri plant has a woody base with several stems that can grow up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are compound and consist of 5-11 leaflets that are oval-shaped and have pointed tips. The leaflets are about 1-2.5 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The flowers are pink-purple and bloom from April to August. The fruit is a legume pod that is about 1-2 cm long and contains several seeds.
Care Guide
The Astragalus breweri plant requires well-draining soil and regular watering. The plant can tolerate dry conditions, but it is best to keep the soil moist. Fertilization is not necessary, but adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its quality. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to -23 °C. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus breweri is susceptible to root rot caused by overwatering. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Aphids and spider mites can infest the plant, causing damage to the leaves and flowers. Regular inspection of the plant and prompt treatment of any pest or disease infestations can help prevent serious damage.
Habitat
Astragalus breweri is native to the western United States, specifically to California and Nevada. The plant grows in rocky or gravelly soils in open areas, such as meadows, sagebrush scrublands, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. It can also be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields. The plant is an important food source for native bees and other pollinators.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus breweri a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, some Native American tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Q: Can Astragalus breweri be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Q: Does Astragalus breweri attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant is an important food source for native bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Astragalus breweri be propagated from seeds?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be scarified and soaked in warm water for several hours before planting to improve germination rates.
Related Plants
- Astragalus alpinus
- Astragalus cicer
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus racemosus
References
- USDA Plants Database: Astragalus breweri
- Flora of North America: Astragalus breweri
- Wildflowers of the United States: Astragalus breweri
