CARAGANA (BUSH)
If you’re seeking a plant that thrives in challenging conditions, offers visual appeal, edible features, and boasts a fascinating history, the Caragana is an excellent choice. Whether a large shrub or small tree, it’s known for its exceptional hardiness, drought tolerance, vibrant yellow flowers, and edible young seed pods and flowers!
What You Need To Know:
- Appearance: Large shrub or small tree with arching branches and small, vibrant green leaves. Pea-like yellow flowers appear in early summer. Some varieties have variegated or reddish foliage.
- Size:
- Height: 10-20 feet
- Spread: Similar to height, creating a rounded form.
- Growth Rate: 1-3 feet per year once established
- Lifespan: With good care, Caragana can live for 50+ years.
- Light Requirements: Full sun for optimal blooming.
- Soil: Remarkably adaptable; tolerates poor, dry, and alkaline soil.
- Water: Deeply drought-tolerant once established.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-8.
Interesting Extras
- Wildlife Benefits: The dense branches offer shelter and nesting spots for birds, while the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Nitrogen-Fixer: As a legume, Caragana enriches soil by converting nitrogen from the air into a usable form for plants.
- Global History: Native to Russia and Siberia, Caraganas were widely planted across North America as shelterbelts during the Dust Bowl era.
- Edible Parts: While not commonly consumed today, young seed pods and even the flowers were historically eaten in some cultures, similar to peas.
Interested In Adding This Unique Tree To Your Property?
Contact Edmonton Arborist and our expert tree planting team will bring and install your very own Caragana!
Featured On:
Consumer choice award for Northern Alberta tree services 2022 and 2023!
