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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Caragana boisii is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower in May, 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 and can grow in very 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. microphylla crasse-aculeata. C. arborescens crasse-aculeata.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Seedpod
Edible Uses: Oil

The following uses are for the closely related C. arborescens and can probably also be applied to this species[K]. Seed - cooked[2, 105]. Small but produced in abundance[11], there are 4 - 6 seeds per pod[202]. A bland flavour, it is best used in spicy dishes[183]. The raw seed has a mild pea-like flavour, though we are not sure if it should be eaten in quantity when raw[K]. The seed contains 12.4% of a fatty oil and up to 36% protein[183], it has been recommended as an emergency food for humans[65]. Young pods - cooked and used as a vegetable[46, 61, 105, 177, 183].

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.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye Fibre Hedge Hedge Oil Shelterbelt Soil stabilization

The following uses are for the closely related C. arborescens and can probably also be applied to this species[K]. A fibre is obtained from the bark, used for cordage[46, 61, 74]. A blue dye is obtained from the leaves[74]. The seed contains 12.4% of a fatty oil[74]. The plant can be grown as a hedge[160]. It is quite wind-resistant and can also be planted in a shelterbelt[200]. The plant has an extensive root system and can be used for erosion control, especially on marginal land[160].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Hedge Hedge Nitrogen Fixer

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most well-drained soils, preferring full sun and a light sandy dry or well-drained soil[1, 11, 200]. Tolerates very alkaline soils[202]. Does not require a rich soil[1, 11, 108], succeeding on marginal land[160]. Established plants are drought resistant[160]. Fast growing[188]. This species is hardy to at least -30°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]. This species is closely related to C. arborescens, differing in the longer teeth of the calyx and in the downy ovary and young fruit[11]. It can probably be used in all the ways C. arborescens is used and therefore has an excellent potential for human food.[K]. A good bee plant[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

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

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Shaanxi Sheng (south), Sichuan Sheng,China.

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 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
Caragana sinica	Chinese Pea Shrub	Shrub	1.5	5-9		LM	N	DM	1	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 boisii - Schneid