Siberian Peashrub

Caragana arborescens

Also known as: Caragana sophorifolia

Native to:
China, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Caragana
Species:
Caragana arborescens
USDA Symbol:
CAAR18

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
600 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Food Forest:
Contains edible parts
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Rose Tortrix (Archips rosana), Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis) Hummingbirds: Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, open areas; tolerates poor soil

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Scarification by soaking in hot water for 24 hours or mechanical scarification improves germination rates. Seeds germinate readily after treatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI