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Description
Astragalus Insularis Var. Harwoodii is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Channel Islands of California and is commonly known as the Harwood’s Milkvetch. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of up to 2 feet. It has a woody stem that is covered with dense hairs and has alternate leaves. The flowers are pinkish-purple and bloom from April to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
| Species | Astragalus insularis |
| Variety | Astragalus insularis var. harwoodii |
Appearance
The Harwood’s Milkvetch has a unique appearance with a woody stem that is covered with dense hairs. The alternate leaves are pinnately compound with 11-21 leaflets that are oblong to elliptic in shape. The pinkish-purple flowers grow in clusters of 2-10 and are about 0.6-1.6 cm long. The plant blooms from April to June and produces fruit that is a linear pod, about 1.5-4 cm long.
Care Guide
The Harwood’s Milkvetch requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips to care for this plant:
Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Use a soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Harwood’s Milkvetch is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It is also prone to damage from snails and slugs. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. To control snails and slugs, handpick them off the plant or use a slug bait.
Habitat
The Harwood’s Milkvetch is native to the Channel Islands of California, where it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. The plant prefers well-draining soil and is tolerant of drought and salt.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Harwood’s Milkvetch a rare plant?
A: Yes, the Harwood’s Milkvetch is considered a rare plant and is listed as endangered by the California Native Plant Society.
Q: Can the Harwood’s Milkvetch be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Harwood’s Milkvetch can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Harwood’s Milkvetch?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the blooming season of the Harwood’s Milkvetch?
A: The Harwood’s Milkvetch blooms from April to June.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Astragalus genus:
- Astragalus alpinus
- Astragalus canadensis
- Astragalus cicer
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus membranaceus
References
- Astragalus insularis var. harwoodii. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Astragalus+insularis+var.+harwoodii
- Astragalus insularis var. harwoodii. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/astragalus_insularis_harwoodii.shtml
- Astragalus insularis var. harwoodii. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/155725-Astragalus-insularis-var-harwoodii
