Contents
Description
Astragalus Andersonii, commonly known as Anderson’s milkvetch, is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to North America and is commonly found in the western part of the United States. This plant has a strong stem that can grow up to two feet tall and has a woody base. It has small white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months, followed by small seed pods that contain the plant’s seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Astragalus Andersonii plant has a strong stem that can grow up to two feet tall, with a woody base. The leaves of this plant are compound, with several small leaflets attached to a central stem. The small white flowers of this plant bloom in the spring and summer months, with each flower measuring around 1 cm in length. The flowers are followed by small seed pods that contain the plant’s seeds.
Care Guide
The Astragalus Andersonii plant requires regular care to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: This plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sunlight exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Astragalus Andersonii plant is susceptible to certain pests and diseases:
- Aphids: These pests can damage the plant by feeding on its leaves and stems. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
- Mildew: This disease can cause a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control mildew.
- Rust: This disease can cause orange or brown spots to appear on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to control rust.
Habitat
The Astragalus Andersonii plant is native to North America and is commonly found in the western part of the United States. It typically grows in dry, rocky areas, including canyons and mountain slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to plant Astragalus Andersonii?
A: The best time to plant this plant is in the fall or early spring.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Astragalus Andersonii plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can I grow Astragalus Andersonii in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow this plant in a container as long as it has enough space to grow.
Q: How can I propagate Astragalus Andersonii?
A: This plant can be propagated by seed or by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Astragalus bisulcatus
- Astragalus canadensis
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus miser
- Astragalus nuttallianus
References
- “Anderson’s Milk-vetch.” USDA Plants Database.
- “Astragalus andersonii.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Astragalus andersonii A.Gray.” The Jepson Herbarium.
