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Description
Astragalus Nuttallianus, commonly known as Nuttall’s milkvetch, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to North America, particularly in the western United States and Canada, where it can be found in various habitats such as meadows, prairies, and open forests. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a woody base with several stems arising from it. The leaves are composed of several leaflets that are oval-shaped and hairy. The flowers are pink to purple in color and bloom from May to July. The fruit is a pod that contains several seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Nuttallianus is a beautiful plant that can enhance the beauty of any garden. The plant has a woody base with several stems arising from it. The leaves are composed of several leaflets that are oval-shaped and hairy. They are green in color and can be up to 5 cm long. The flowers are pink to purple in color and bloom from May to July. They are arranged in clusters and can be up to 2 cm long. The fruit is a pod that contains several seeds. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and can spread up to 45 cm wide.
Care Guide
Astragalus Nuttallianus is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips to take care of it:Water: The plant does not need much water and can tolerate drought. Water it only when the soil is dry.Fertilization: The plant does not need much fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but does best in full sun.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Nuttallianus is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:Pests: The plant can be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Diseases: The plant can be affected by root rot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Astragalus Nuttallianus is native to North America, particularly in the western United States and Canada. It can be found in various habitats such as meadows, prairies, and open forests. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Astragalus Nuttallianus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its roots.Q: Does Astragalus Nuttallianus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees and butterflies.Q: Is Astragalus Nuttallianus edible?
A: No, the plant is not edible.Q: Can Astragalus Nuttallianus be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by cuttings in the spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Astragalus Nuttallianus:- Astragalus alpinus- Astragalus canadensis- Astragalus lentiginosus- Astragalus membranaceus- Astragalus sinicus
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Astragalus Nuttallianus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASNU- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Astragalus Nuttallianus. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASNU
