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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Caragana brevispina is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 1.8 m (6ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Seed
Edible Uses:
Seed - cooked[160]. Small but produced in abundance. The seed of a plant seen at the Royal Horticultural Gardens, Wisley in Surrey in September 1993 was about twice the size of C. arborescens but it had a distinctly bitter taste[K]. High in protein, it has been recommended as an emergency food for humans. Young buds - cooked as a green vegetable[272].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
A decoction of the plant is taken in the treatment of aching joints[272].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Hedge Hedge Soil stabilization Wood
Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are very spiny and provide an impenetrable barrier. The extensive root system of this plant makes it useful for planting to control soil erosion. Wood - hard, close grained[146]. An important fuel wood for people living at high elevations[272].
Special Uses
Hedge Hedge Nitrogen Fixer
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most well-drained soils, but prefers full sun and a light sandy dry or well-drained soil[1, 11, 200]. Does not require a rich soil[11], succeeding on marginal land[160]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils[160]. Established plants are drought resistant[160]. This species is hardy to at least -20°c[184], it prefers a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters so it does not grow so well in the milder western half of Britain[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. It usually germinates in 2 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water then sown in a cold frame[78, 113, 200]. If the seed has not swollen then scarify it and re-soak for another 12 hours before sowing[138]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c[138]. Good percentage[11]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[113]. Layering in spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Long-Stalked Pea-shrub, Pea Tree, Bebali kanda
Native Range
TROPICAL ASIA: India, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, Pakistan (north),
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Royle. ex Benth.
Botanical References
11200
Links / References
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