Astragalus monspessulanus

Astragalus monspessulanus

Native to:
Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Krym, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Astragalus
Species:
Astragalus monspessulanus
USDA Symbol:
ASMO19

Growth Characteristics

Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
purple, pink
Ground Cover:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers calcareous soils; avoid waterlogged conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Hard seed coat benefits from scarification or hot water treatment before cold stratification. Germination improved with inoculation of appropriate Rhizobium bacteria.

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Put in deep pot; protect from damping off

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society