Siberian Pea Shrub seeds

Siberian Pea Shrub seeds
Botanical name   Caragana arborescens
Details   A genus of shrubs mostly native to Central Asia, some inhabiting dry, half-desert regions with hot summers and bitterly cold winters. They include some of the toughest and most accommodating of all plants, some able to survive temperatures down to -40°C

Seed is normally harvested late summer - autumn.

Due to drought our neglected plants did not set seed. Check back summer 2025 or join the wait list
Nitrogen fixer  
Perennial  
Tags     perennial  shrub  legume 
Price   $5.90  20 seeds
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34762_Caragana-arborescens-seeds

The Siberian pea shrub (Caragana arborescens) is a hardy and versatile plant that offers several benefits, making it a valuable addition to gardens, landscapes, and even agricultural settings. Here are some of the key benefits of the Siberian pea shrub:

  1. Nitrogen Fixation: One of the most significant advantages of Siberian pea shrub is its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules. This natural process enriches the soil with nitrogen, improving its fertility and benefiting neighboring plants.
  2. Drought Tolerance: Siberian pea shrub is exceptionally drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for regions with low rainfall or where water conservation is a concern. Its deep roots help it access moisture from deeper soil layers.
  3. Cold Hardiness: This shrub is exceptionally cold-hardy, capable of thriving in extremely cold climates, including those with harsh winters. It can withstand temperatures well below freezing.
  4. Erosion Control: The dense growth and extensive root system of Siberian pea shrub make it effective for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, making it useful for landscaping in areas prone to soil erosion.
  5. Wildlife Habitat: The shrub's yellow, pea-like flowers and subsequent seed pods provide a food source for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. It can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies as well.
  6. Edible Pea Pods: The Siberian pea shrub produces edible pea pods that can be harvested and consumed. While the taste is somewhat bitter and the pods are best when young, they can be cooked or used as a seasoning.
  7. Ornamental Value: Beyond its practical benefits, the Siberian pea shrub has ornamental value with its attractive, fern-like compound leaves and bright yellow flowers in the spring. It can be used for landscaping and adds aesthetic appeal to gardens.
  8. Windbreaks and Hedging: Due to its dense growth and robust nature, Siberian pea shrub is often used as a windbreak or in hedgerows to provide protection from strong winds and create privacy barriers.
  9. Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it suitable for landscaping in areas prone to soil erosion.
  10. Medicinal Uses: In some cultures, certain parts of the Siberian pea shrub, such as the roots, have been used for medicinal purposes. However, it's essential to exercise caution and consult with experts when using plants for medicinal purposes.

Scarification - Preparing hard tree seeds for planting

Many trees have seeds with extremely hard coatings. This allows them to remain viable for a long time, waiting for a trigger such as fire or abrasion due to erosion to activate the growing stage. These seeds require some form of scarification to encourage germination.

This is typical of several leguminous, pod bearing tree species such as tagasaste, locust, laburnum, carob etc.

There are several ways to perform the scarification prior to planting the seeds.
Olmec Sinclair
Preparing hard seeds for planting
Collect Siberian Pea Shrub Seeds

Collect Siberian Pea Shrub Seeds

Harvest Caragana arborescens seeds in late summer, once the pods have turned brown and dried but before they naturally split open and release their seeds. Monitor the plant closely during this time (December to March in the southern hemisphere), as the pods can quickly transition from mature to split, particularly in warm or windy weather.

Use pruning shears or scissors to carefully cut off the pods or small branches bearing them. This method minimizes disturbance to the plant and reduces seed loss. It's best to harvest in the morning when pods are less likely to split due to the heat of the day.

After collection, place the pods in a paper bag or spread them on a tray in a cool, dry area to finish drying. Once fully dried, the pods will naturally crack open, making it easy to separate the seeds.

For uncracked pods, you can gently squeeze them or manually open them to release the seeds.
Harvest
December 19, 2024
  harvest  collect  seeds 
  December  
Related info
Siberian Pea Shrub

Siberian Pea Shrub

Propagation method   Sow pot / tray
Common name   Siberian Pea Shrub
Botanical name   Caragana arborescens
Family   Leguminosae/Fabaceae
Details   A hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree native to Siberia and northern China, growing 2–6 meters tall with nitrogen-fixing roots that enhance soil fertility.

It thrives in poor soils and cold climates, tolerating temperatures as low as -40°C. Blooming with bright yellow, pea-like flowers in spring and producing protein-rich seeds by late summer, it serves as a food source for livestock and wildlife.

Easily propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division, it is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and suited for windbreaks, erosion control, and ornamental use.

In forest gardens, it provides multiple functions, including soil improvement, pollinator attraction, and integration into shrub or canopy layers.
Date   July 07, 2013
Diameter   1.00
Forest layer   shrub
Height (m)   4
Flowers   Yellow
Drought tolerance  
Edible  
Evergreen  
Nitrogen fixer  
Perennial  
Seeds / nuts / tubers  
Shade / Sun   Full sun
Soil type   Most
Wind tolerance   High
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