Contents
Description
Astragalus Uliginosus is a type of herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Swamp Milk Vetch due to its preference for wetland habitats. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various regions across the continent, from Alaska to California, and from the Great Plains to the East Coast.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Fabales | Fabaceae | Astragalus |
Appearance
Astragalus Uliginosus can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide. It has green leaves that are pinnately compound, meaning they have multiple leaflets attached to a central stem. The flowers are pinkish-purple and bloom in mid to late summer. After flowering, the plant produces pods that contain small seeds.
Care Guide
Astragalus Uliginosus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Astragalus Uliginosus does not require a lot of fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring should be sufficient.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Astragalus Uliginosus prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Astragalus Uliginosus is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be affected by a few pests and diseases:
- Leafhoppers: These small insects can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease causes the leaves and stems to wilt and turn brown. Remove infected plants and avoid planting in areas with poor drainage.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control it.
Habitat
Astragalus Uliginosus prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and streambanks. It can also grow in drier areas such as meadows and prairies. This plant is an important food source for wildlife such as deer, elk, and rabbits.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Astragalus Uliginosus an invasive plant?
A: No, this plant is not considered invasive.
Q: Can Astragalus Uliginosus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, but it will require frequent watering due to its preference for moist soil.
Q: Can Astragalus Uliginosus be propagated by division?
A: Yes, this plant can be divided in the spring or fall.
Q: Is Astragalus Uliginosus poisonous?
A: No, this plant is not toxic to humans or animals.
Related Plants
- Astragalus Canadensis
- Astragalus Crassicarpus
- Astragalus Membranaceus
- Astragalus Sinicus
References
- Burrell, C. (2018). The Complete Guide to Growing Perennials. Timber Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Astragalus Uliginosus. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d775
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Astragalus Uliginosus. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/astragalus-uliginosus/
