Shag-Spine
Caragana jubata

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Caragana jubata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from April to May, 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): 1

Where it is found

Dry gravel slopes above the sub-alpine forest belt.

E. Asia - Siberia to Mongolia and Tibet.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antirheumatic, demulcent, vulnerary. Used in the treatment of boils, swellings, coughs, headaches and rheumatic arthritis.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 3

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for making cordage, gunny bags etc. A very spiny plant, it forms an impenetrable barrier and can be grown as a hedge.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Hedge: Hedge

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. Dislikes damp conditions. Does not require a rich soil, succeeding on marginal land. A very hardy plant but it does not like the lack of sun in British gardens. It is best grown at the foot of a warm dry wall in a well-drained light soil. It prefers a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, it does not flower freely in Britain due to our cooler summers and lack of sunshine. A remarkably curious shrub, but it is not showy. 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; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Robinia jubata.