Alkali Swainsonpea
Sphaerophysa salsula
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Matt Lavin





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