Caragana decorticans
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Caragana decorticans is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5.4 m (17ft 9in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June, 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 5.4
Where it is found
Not known
E. Asia - Afghanistan to northern Pakistan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The bark is used as a binding material, it takes a good polish and when new resembles leather in appearance.
Leather: Substitutes, that is.
String: Plants that can be used for string or can be easily made into a string. See also Fibre. Plants for ropes may be included.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Prefers full sun and a light sandy dry or well-drained soil. Does not require a rich soil, succeeding on marginal land. This species is hardy to at least -15°c, 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. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. 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.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It usually germinates in 2 weeks. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water then sown in a cold frame. If the seed has not swollen then scarify it and re-soak for another 12 hours before sowing. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c. Good percentage. 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. Layering in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist