Contents
Description
Psoralea Argophylla, commonly known as silverleaf scurfpea, is a flowering plant native to the western United States, specifically in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is known for its pea-shaped flowers and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Psoralea Argophylla is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has silver-gray leaves and purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Psoralea |
| Species | Argophylla |
Appearance
Psoralea Argophylla has silver-gray leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they have multiple leaflets that grow opposite each other along a central stem. The flowers are purple and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. Each flower has five petals that are fused together at the base. The fruit of the plant is a small, hairy pod that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Psoralea Argophylla is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Watering should be done sparingly, as the plant is drought-tolerant and can be damaged by overwatering. Fertilization is not necessary, as the plant is able to fix nitrogen from the soil. Psoralea Argophylla is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Psoralea Argophylla is relatively pest-free, but can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also prone to root rot if overwatered, and can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Habitat
Psoralea Argophylla is native to the western United States, where it grows in dry, rocky soils in desert and chaparral habitats. It is often found growing alongside other drought-tolerant plants such as sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and yucca.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Psoralea Argophylla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Psoralea Argophylla can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide good drainage.
Q: How often should Psoralea Argophylla be watered?
A: Psoralea Argophylla is drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
Q: Does Psoralea Argophylla attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Psoralea Argophylla is attractive to bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for the plant.
Q: Can Psoralea Argophylla be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, Psoralea Argophylla can be propagated from seed. The seeds should be scarified or soaked in water overnight before planting to improve germination rates.
Related Plants
- Psoralea lanceolata
- Psoralea tenuiflora
- Psoralea bituminosa
- Psoralea californica
References
- “Psoralea argophylla.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed September 24, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PSAR3
- “Psoralea argophylla.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 24, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PSAR3
- Welsh, Stanley L., et al. “Psoralea argophylla.” Flora of North America. Accessed September 24, 2021. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415014
