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Description
Colutea Arborescens, also known as Bladder senna, is a shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in other parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This deciduous shrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. Its leaves are pinnate, 10-20 cm long, and have a blue-green color. During the summer, Colutea Arborescens produces yellow, pea-like flowers that grow in racemes. These flowers are followed by bladder-like pods that contain the plant’s seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Colutea |
| Species | Colutea Arborescens |
Appearance
Colutea Arborescens is a deciduous shrub that has a vase-shaped form with a spreading habit. Its bark is brown and smooth when young, but it becomes rough and fissured as the plant ages. The leaves are alternate and pinnate, with 9-17 leaflets that are elliptic to oblong in shape. The leaflets are gray-green on top and pale-green underneath. During the summer, the plant produces bright yellow, pea-like flowers that grow in clusters of 5-10 flowers. These flowers are followed by bladder-like pods that are green when young and turn brown as they mature. The pods are 3-5 cm long and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Colutea Arborescens is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Colutea Arborescens prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. Water your plant deeply once a week during the summer and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring to promote growth.- Soil: Colutea Arborescens prefers well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Colutea Arborescens is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Colutea Arborescens is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. To prevent these pests, keep your plant well-watered and avoid over-fertilizing. If you notice an infestation, you can treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Colutea Arborescens is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in other parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It grows in dry, rocky areas and is often found on hillsides and slopes. This plant can also tolerate urban environments and is commonly used in landscaping.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Colutea Arborescens a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Colutea Arborescens is a great plant for landscaping. It has a beautiful vase-shape form and produces bright yellow flowers during the summer.
Q: How tall can Colutea Arborescens grow?
A: Colutea Arborescens can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide.
Q: Does Colutea Arborescens require a lot of water?
A: No, Colutea Arborescens prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. Water your plant deeply once a week during the summer and reduce watering in the winter.
Q: Is Colutea Arborescens hardy in cold climates?
A: Yes, Colutea Arborescens is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
– Colutea Hispanica- Colutea Orientalis- Colutea Cretica- Colutea Arborescens brachypoda- Colutea Arborescens glabra
References
– “Colutea Arborescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=248138.- “Colutea Arborescens.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/2020/Colutea-arborescens.- “Colutea Arborescens.” Plant Finder. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://www.plantfinder.co.uk/plants/colutea-arborescens.
