Title

Carangana-Siberian Peashrub

(F2139, June 2024)
File
Publication File:
Lead Author
Lead Author:
Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
Availability
Availability:
Web only
Publication Sections

Table of Contents

General 
Scientific Name: Caragana arborescens 
Family: Fabaceae (Legume) 
Hardiness: Zone 2 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Shrub 

Growth 
Rate: Medium 
Mature Height: >7’ 
Longevity: Long 
Power Line: Yes 

Ornamental 
Flowers: Yellow 
Fruit: Brown pods 
Fall Color: Yellow

Description

Caragana is a tall, drought-tolerant legume shrub native to Siberia that is long-lived and tolerant of alkaline sites. This multi-trunk shrub has a rounded form. Pea-like yellow flowers bloom singly or in clusters in May on the prior year’s wood. Flowers give way to yellowish-green pods (to 3” long) that mature to brown in summer. This shrub has the ability to withstand extreme cold and dryness. Major windbreak species.

Preferences

Light: Full sun. 
Water: Dry to medium. 
Soil: Average to dry soils.

Comments

Several improved varieties are available including: 

  • 'Sutherland' with a narrow, upright form. 
  • 'Lorberg' with a graceful from and fine textured leaves. 
  • Weeping Siberian peashrub (‘Pendula') has a stiffly weeping form with arching branches.

  • Dwarf Siberian peashrub ('Nana') is a dwarf form with somewhat contorted branches.

    Caragana-Siberian Peashrub General
    Photo Credit:
    Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
    Caragana-Siberian Peashrub General
    Caragana-Siberian Peashrub General
    Photo Credit:
    Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
    Caragana-Siberian Peashrub General
    Caragana-Siberian Peashrub General
    Photo Credit:
    Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
    Caragana-Siberian Peashrub General