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Caragana boisii - Schneid

Common Name Siberian peatree
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 2-9
Known Hazards The following report belongs to the closely related C. arborescens. Reports that this plant contains toxins have not been substantiated[65]. The occurrence of cystine in the seeds is doubtful[65].
Habitats Not known
Range E. Asia - China.
Edibility Rating    (4 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Caragana boisii Siberian peatree


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Athenchen
Caragana boisii Siberian peatree
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Athenchen

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Caragana arborescensSiberian Pea Tree, Siberian peashrubShrub6.0 2-7 FLMNDM514
Caragana brevispinaLong-Stalked Pea-shrubShrub2.5 4-9  LMNDM413
Caragana decorticans Shrub5.4 5-9  LMNDM001
Caragana frutexRussian pea shrubShrub1.2 2-7 SLMNDM002
Caragana fruticosaSiberian Peashrub,Shrub2.0 0-0 FLMNDM305
Caragana gerardiana Shrub1.0 4-8  LMHNM003
Caragana jubataShag-SpineShrub1.0 3-7  LMNDM013
Caragana microphyllaLittleleaf PeashrubShrub2.0 4-9 FLMNM003
Caragana pygmaeaPygmy PeashrubShrub1.2 3-7 SLMNDM102
Caragana sinicaChinese Pea ShrubShrub1.5 5-9  LMNDM12 

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

Schneid

Botanical References

11

Links / References

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