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Description
Astragalus Bolanderi, commonly known as Bolander’s milk-vetch, is a beautiful wildflower that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This perennial plant is native to the western United States and is known for its showy pink and purple flowers that bloom in the summer. It is a popular plant among gardeners due to its hardiness and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Bolanderi grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It has a bushy, spreading habit and produces an abundance of 1-inch long pink and purple flowers. The flowers bloom in the summer and attract bees and other pollinators. The plant has a deep taproot and small, pinnate leaves that are gray-green in color. It has a moderate growth rate and is a great addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Astragalus Bolanderi is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful wildflower:
Water
The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not require much water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil
Astragalus Bolanderi prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting to improve drainage and fertility.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming.
Hardiness Zones
Astragalus Bolanderi is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Bolanderi is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Astragalus Bolanderi is native to the western United States, where it grows in dry, rocky soils in open woodlands, sagebrush steppes, and mountain meadows. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in harsh conditions.
Question and Answer
Here are some frequently asked questions about Astragalus Bolanderi:
Q: Is Astragalus Bolanderi a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Astragalus Bolanderi is a great plant for beginners. It is easy to care for and does not require much maintenance.
Q: How long does Astragalus Bolanderi bloom for?
A: Astragalus Bolanderi blooms for about 6 to 8 weeks in the summer.
Q: Can Astragalus Bolanderi be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Astragalus Bolanderi can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s deep taproot.
Q: How often should I fertilize Astragalus Bolanderi?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Astragalus Bolanderi:
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus canadensis
- Astragalus crassicarpus
- Astragalus membranaceus
References
- Astragalus bolanderi. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/astragalus_bolanderi.shtml
- Astragalus bolanderi. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=745
- Astragalus bolanderi. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASBO
