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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Caragana sinica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to 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.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
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

C. chamlagu. Lam. Robinia sinica.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers
Edible Uses:

Flowers - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 177]. Boiled and washed[179].

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.
Antiinflammatory Restorative Tonic VD

The root contains a number of medically active constituents including saponins, stilbenes and caraganosides[279]. It has been shown to have antiinflammatory activity and is used in Korea in the treatment of arthritis, neuralgia, diarrhoea and bone weakness[279]. It is said to be restorative and tonic[74]. The stem is made into a broth with other foods and used in the treatment of advanced syphilis[218].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Nitrogen Fixer Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers full sun and a light sandy dry or well-drained soil[1, 11, 200]. Does not require a rich soil, succeeding on marginal land[11]. This species prefers a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, it does not grow so well in mild maritime areas such as western Britain. The bark smells like liquorice[182]. This plant is closely related to C. ussuriensis. (Rel.)Pojark. (with which it was once united), a low shrub of rocks, forest glades and roadsides[74]. 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

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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

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Fujian Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu (north), Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng)

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Caragana arborescens	Siberian Pea Tree, Siberian peashrub	Shrub	6.0	2-7	F	LM	N	DM	5	1	4
Caragana boisii	Siberian peatree	Shrub	2.0	2-9	F	LM	N	DM	4	0	4
Caragana brevispina	Long-Stalked Pea-shrub	Shrub	2.5	4-9		LM	N	DM	4	1	3
Caragana decorticans		Shrub	5.4	5-9		LM	N	DM	0	0	1
Caragana frutex	Russian pea shrub	Shrub	1.2	2-7	S	LM	N	DM	0	0	2
Caragana fruticosa	Siberian Peashrub,	Shrub	2.0	0-0	F	LM	N	DM	3	0	5
Caragana gerardiana		Shrub	1.0	4-8		LMH	N	M	0	0	3
Caragana jubata	Shag-Spine	Shrub	1.0	3-7		LM	N	DM	0	1	3
Caragana microphylla	Littleleaf Peashrub	Shrub	2.0	4-9	F	LM	N	M	0	0	3
Caragana pygmaea	Pygmy Peashrub	Shrub	1.2	3-7	S	LM	N	DM	1	0	2

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.

Caragana sinica - (Buc'hoz.)Rehder.