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.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society