Pea Tree - Caragana brevispina - €25 per plant 

The Pea Tree is a hardy nitrogen fixing shrub related to the Siberian Pea Tree, only with pods approx. twice as big. The young buds are edible and the beans in the pods can be eaten although they are somewhat bitter. The plant tolerates wind and drought  and grows very fast making this an ideal selection for a windbreak. The dense spiny branches also make it a  great hedging plant.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Europe-Asia
  • native habitat:
    Higher forests, in the undergrowth of fir and oak forests or in open glades on dry ridges from 1500 - 2700 metres
  • family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Predators

  • no experience of any pests or predators 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full Sun
  • soil pH: acid-neutral -basic alkaline
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
  • Tolerates drought
  • Does not require a rich soil, succeeding on marginal land

Known hazards 

  • Some unsubstantiated reports that this plant contains toxins.

Overview

  • ​ A a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.4m
  • It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in September.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • It can fix Nitrogen.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (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.

Characteristics

  • form:  Deciduous woody perennial  
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: Multi stemmed shrub 
  • height x width (m): 6 x 2.5
  • years to bearing yield: 3
  • productive life span: 40+ years

Products 

  • Seed pods:  Young buds - cooked as a green vegetable
  • Medicinal:  A decoction of the plant is taken in the treatment of aching joints
  • Dense spiny  branches make this a good barrier plant 
  • Wood - hard, close grained.  An important fuel wood for people living at high elevations
  • The shoots and pods make excellent chicken fodder

Functions, behaviours

  • The extensive root system of this plant makes it useful for planting to control soil erosion.
  • Nitrogen fixing capability makes this plant a great candidate for poor soils. 
  • Ideal for windbreak
  • Wildlife Shelter – mainly birds
  • Lacewings prefer to lay eggs on Caragana spp.
  • Parasitic Wasps prefer to rest and hide on Caragana spp.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project