Siberian Peashrub Caragana arborescens
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Siberian Peashrub is a deciduous shrub known for its hardy nature and ability to withstand cold climates. It boasts fine-textured, bright green leaves that are pinnately compound, consisting of small leaflets arrayed along a central stem. The foliage turns a soft yellow in the fall, providing seasonal interest in the landscape. In spring, the Siberian Peashrub produces an abundance of small, yellow, pea-like flowers that are arranged in clusters. These blooms not only add a splash of color but are also fragrant, attracting bees and other pollinators. Following the flowering period, the plant develops seed pods that resemble those of garden peas. The pods start green and turn black as they mature, often persisting into the winter and providing textural interest even after the leaves have fallen. The Siberian Peashrub has a rounded to irregular form with arching branches, and it often develops thorns that help to protect it from browsing animals. The bark of older branches is gray and may become furrowed with age, adding to the character of the plant. Adaptable and resilient, the Siberian Peashrub is often used for windbreaks, hedges, and erosion control, in addition to being planted for its ornamental value. Its drought tolerance and ability to grow in a variety of soil conditions make it an easy plant to integrate into a diverse array of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Peashrub, Caragana, Siberian Pea-Tree, Pea-Tree
Common names
Caragana altagana, Caragana arborescens var. genuina, Caragana arborescens var. grandiflora, Caragana arborescens var. lorbergii, Caragana arborescens var. nana, Caragana arborescens var. pendula, Caragana arborescens var. pygmaea, Caragana bungei, Caragana fruticosa, Caragana microphylla var. pendula, Caragana pendula, Caragana sibirica, Robinia caragana, Robinia litwinowii.
ToxicityTo humans
Siberian pea tree, the common name for Caragana arborescens, is generally regarded as non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or severe adverse reactions from ingesting parts of this plant. Therefore, it is usually not considered a concern for human poisoning.
To pets
Siberian pea tree is not typically listed as toxic to pets. However, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants not meant for their diet, as individual animals might have different sensitivities or allergic reactions. If a pet does consume Siberian pea tree and exhibits unusual symptoms, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-7
Native area
Siberia
Benefits
General Benefits- Nitrogen Fixation: Caragana arborescens enriches the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with bacteria, improving fertility for other plants nearby.
- Windbreak: Its dense foliage and shrubby habit make it an excellent windbreak, protecting soil from erosion and sheltering nearby crops or gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in its environment.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for watering in arid climates.
- Erosion Control: The root system of this plant helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks, preventing erosion.
- Ornamental Value: With its bright yellow flowers and arching branches, it adds aesthetic value to landscapes and gardens.
- Privacy Screening: It can be used as a living privacy screen or hedge, growing quickly to create a natural barrier.
- Forage for Livestock: The foliage is edible for livestock, offering a food source for animals like sheep and goats.
- Shelterbelt for Crops: It can be planted in shelterbelt formations to protect crops from extreme weather and to help conserve soil moisture.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Caragana arborescens may contain compounds with antioxidant properties.
- Antidiabetic: Extracts from the plant have been studied for potential antidiabetic effects.
- Wound healing: It might have been used traditionally for aiding in wound healing due to its potential antiseptic properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Windbreaks: Caragana arborescens, commonly known as Siberian peashrub, is often used in landscape designs as a windbreak to protect soil from erosion and to shelter other plants from harsh winds.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of the Siberian peashrub helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks, reducing the impact of erosion caused by water and wind.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense foliage, this plant can be pruned and shaped to form a privacy screen, providing seclusion in residential gardens or properties.
- Livestock Fodder: In some regions, the foliage of the Siberian peashrub is used as a source of fodder for livestock, though it should be used with caution as it contains small amounts of toxins.
- Woodworking: The wood of the Siberian peashrub is hard and durable, making it suitable for crafting small woodwork items such as tools, handles, or even intricate carvings.
- Noise Barrier: When planted in rows along highways or noisy areas, the dense growth of the Siberian peashrub can help to reduce sound pollution.
- Hedging: The plant's fast growth rate and ability to withstand heavy pruning make it an ideal choice for creating formal or informal hedges in gardens and parks.
- Wildlife Habitat: Siberian peashrub provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, as well as food in the form of its seeds.
- Biofuel: Research is being conducted on the potential of using Siberian peashrub as a bioenergy crop due to its rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
- Dye Production: The bark and leaves of the Siberian peashrub may be used in traditional processes to produce natural dyes for fabrics or crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Siberian Peashrub is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Siberian Peashrub is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Caragana arborescens, commonly known as Siberian peashrub, is able to thrive in harsh conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from challenges.
- Survival: Its capacity to survive in poor soils and cold climates makes it a symbol of survival and endurance.
- Adaptability: The Siberian peashrub's adaptability to different environments represents flexibility and the willingness to adjust to changing circumstances.
- Protection: Traditionally used as windbreaks, these plants can symbolize shelter and protection from life's metaphorical storms.
WaterThe Siberian Peashrub requires moderate watering, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on the size and age. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot, and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down. Consistent watering is crucial during the first few seasons to establish a strong root system.
LightThe Siberian Peashrub thrives best in full sunlight, receiving at least six hours of direct light daily. An ideal spot would be an area where it is exposed to the unfiltered sun for the majority of the day. This plant can also tolerate partial shade, but flowering and overall growth are most abundant in full sun.
TemperatureThe Siberian Peashrub is hardy and can tolerate a broad temperature range. It can withstand cold down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for colder climates, and it can survive high temperatures typical of temperate zones. The ideal temperature range for the Siberian Peashrub is between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Siberian Peashrub to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches, trim back overgrowth, and shape as desired. Pruning every few years helps to rejuvenate the plant and keep it vibrant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Siberian Peashrub (Caragana arborescens) should be well-draining and fertile. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can create an appropriate growing medium. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5 to ensure healthy growth.
RepottingSiberian Peashrubs are typically grown outdoors and do not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, young plants may be repotted every 2-3 years to encourage growth. Mature Siberian Peashrubs seldom need repotting unless they outgrow their current space.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Peashrubs are not particularly sensitive to humidity and can tolerate a wide range. They are well-suited to outdoor conditions where humidity levels are average and reflect the local environment. No specific humidity level is necessary for this hardy plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and occasional watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space to grow.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleCaragana arborescens, commonly known as the Siberian peashrub, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed by wind or animals. After a period of dormancy, the seed germinates in spring, provided there's sufficient moisture and temperature is suitable. The seedling emerges and establishes a root system and begins to grow vertically, developing into a young plant with compound leaves characteristic of Caragana. Over several years, the Siberian peashrub reaches maturity, developing into a dense, shrubby plant capable of withstanding harsh climates, with yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. After pollination, typically by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into seed pods, which mature by late summer and eventually split open to disperse seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The mature shrub can live for several decades, during which it will continue to grow, flower, and produce seeds annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens) is commonly propagated by seed, which is perhaps the most popular method. Propagation by seed generally starts in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds have a hard outer coat, which requires scarification to improve water uptake and germination rates. This can be done by gently rubbing the seeds between two pieces of sandpaper or nicking the coat with a knife. Then, the seeds are typically soaked in water for 24 to 48 hours to further enhance germination. Once prepared, the seeds are sown in well-draining soil, at a depth of about half an inch (approximately 1.27 cm) and spaced several inches apart to allow for adequate growth. Seedlings usually emerge within two to three weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
