Chinese Pea Shrub
Caragana sinica

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Caragana sinica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to 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. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Open slopes on mountains in Korea.

E. Asia - N. China, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Flowers - raw or cooked. Boiled and washed.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root contains a number of medically active constituents including saponins, stilbenes and caraganosides. It has been shown to have antiinflammatory activity and is used in Korea in the treatment of arthritis, neuralgia, diarrhoea and bone weakness. It is said to be restorative and tonic. The stem is made into a broth with other foods and used in the treatment of advanced syphilis.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Restorative: Restores consciousness or normal physiological activity.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

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 prefers a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, it does not grow so well in mild maritime areas such as western Britain. The bark smells like liquorice. This plant is closely related to C. ussuriensis. (Rel.)Pojark. (with which it was once united), a low shrub of rocks, forest glades and roadsides. 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

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. chamlagu. Lam. Robinia sinica.