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Description
Astragalus pomonensis, commonly known as the Pomona milkvetch, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and can be found in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The Pomona milkvetch can grow up to 2 feet tall and can spread up to 4 feet wide. This plant has beautiful pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from April to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Pomona milkvetch has a bushy growth habit and can reach a height of 2 feet. The leaves are pinnately compound and have a gray-green color. The flowers of the Pomona milkvetch are pinkish-purple and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers have a unique shape that resembles a butterfly. The plant blooms from April to June and produces seed pods that can be harvested in the fall.
Care Guide
The Pomona milkvetch is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Pomona milkvetch:
- Water: Water the plant once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: The Pomona milkvetch does not require fertilization.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil.
- Sunlight: The Pomona milkvetch prefers full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pomona milkvetch is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is planted in soil that does not drain well. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases. To prevent root rot and fungal diseases, make sure the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
The Pomona milkvetch is native to the southwestern United States and can be found in California, Nevada, and Arizona. It grows in dry, sandy soils and prefers full sun. This plant is commonly found in chaparral, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper woodland habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Pomona milkvetch a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, the Pomona milkvetch is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers dry, well-drained soil.
Q: How do I propagate the Pomona milkvetch?
A: The Pomona milkvetch can be propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in the fall.
Q: Can the Pomona milkvetch tolerate frost?
A: The Pomona milkvetch is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from frost in colder climates.
Q: Does the Pomona milkvetch attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the Pomona milkvetch is a nectar source for bees and butterflies and can attract them to your garden.
Related Plants
- Astragalus lentiginosus
- Astragalus arborescens
- Astragalus coccineus
- Astragalus douglasii
References
- USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASPO3
- Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/astagalus-pomonensis
- CalFlora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=763
