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Description
Caragana Arborescens, commonly known as Siberian pea shrub or Caragana, is a deciduous shrub native to Siberia and Mongolia. This plant belongs to the family Fabaceae and is widely cultivated in North America, Europe, and Asia for its ornamental and environmental values. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, forming a dense, rounded canopy. The bark is grayish-brown, and the leaves are compound with small, oval leaflets. The flowers are bright yellow and pea-shaped, blooming in early spring, and the seed pods are brown and cylindrical.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Caragana |
Appearance
Caragana Arborescens is a large shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The bark is grayish-brown, and the leaves are compound with small, oval leaflets. The leaves are bright green in the summer and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are bright yellow and pea-shaped, blooming in early spring, and they are followed by brown, cylindrical seed pods. The shrub has a dense, rounded canopy that provides excellent cover for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
Caragana Arborescens is a hardy shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep it healthy:- Water: Caragana Arborescens is drought-tolerant and does not require much watering. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Do not over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.- Soil: Caragana Arborescens prefers well-drained, sandy soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including alkaline soil.- Sunlight: This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: Caragana Arborescens is hardy in USDA zones 2-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Caragana Arborescens is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The shrub can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Caragana Arborescens is native to Siberia and Mongolia and is well-suited to cold, dry climates. It is widely cultivated in North America, Europe, and Asia for its ornamental and environmental values. This shrub is commonly used for erosion control, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat. It is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Caragana Arborescens invasive?
A: No, Caragana Arborescens is not considered invasive. However, it can spread by seed and can become weedy in some areas.
Q: How fast does Caragana Arborescens grow?
A: Caragana Arborescens grows moderately fast, usually reaching maturity within 5-7 years.
Q: Can Caragana Arborescens be pruned?
A: Yes, Caragana Arborescens can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can Caragana Arborescens tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, Caragana Arborescens is tolerant of salt spray and is often used in coastal areas.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Fabaceae family:- Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)- Lupinus polyphyllus (Bigleaf Lupine)- Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust)- Sophora japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Caragana arborescens. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d608- USDA. (n.d.). Caragana arborescens. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAAR2- Washington State University Extension. (n.d.). Siberian pea shrub. Retrieved from https://extension.wsu.edu/chelan-douglas/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2017/01/Siberian-Pea-Shrub.pdf
