Contents
Description
Astragalus Lemmonii is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the western United States, particularly in the Great Basin region. The plant has a woody stem that can grow up to 2 feet tall. It produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Lemmonii has a unique appearance that can make it stand out in a garden. The plant has a woody stem that is covered in fine hairs. The leaves of the plant are pinnately compound, which means they have multiple leaflets that are arranged in a feather-like pattern. The leaflets are oval-shaped and have a bluish-green color. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters and bloom in the spring and summer. After the flowers have bloomed, the plant produces a seedpod that is about an inch long. The seedpod is covered in fine hairs and splits open when ripe to release the seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Astragalus Lemmonii, you should provide it with well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water once established. You can fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Avoid fertilizing the plant in the fall or winter, as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by cold temperatures.Astragalus Lemmonii is hardy in zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Lemmonii is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. You can control aphids and spider mites by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using an insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Astragalus Lemmonii is native to the western United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including sagebrush flats, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and montane meadows. The plant is tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy, gravelly, and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Astragalus Lemmonii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Astragalus Lemmonii can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I water Astragalus Lemmonii?
A: Once established, Astragalus Lemmonii is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.
Q: Can I propagate Astragalus Lemmonii from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Astragalus Lemmonii from cuttings taken in the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and provide the cuttings with bright, indirect light until they have rooted.
Q: Is Astragalus Lemmonii toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Astragalus Lemmonii is toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Astragalus adsurgens
- Astragalus cicer
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus purshii
- Astragalus racemosus
- Astragalus utahensis
References
- “Astragalus Lemmonii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASLE.
- “Astragalus Lemmonii.” USDA Plants Database, United States Department of Agriculture, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASLE.
- “Growing Guide: Astragalus.” High Country Gardens, American Meadows, Inc., www.highcountrygardens.com/growing-guide/plants/astragalus.
