Alkali Swainsonpea

Sphaerophysa salsula

Native to:
Afghanistan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Sphaerophysa
Species:
Sphaerophysa salsula
USDA Symbol:
SPSA3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, red, orange

Garden & Ecology Notes

Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
7.0 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Cold stratification beneficial but not always required.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI