Sophora mollis

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Sophora mollis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Rocks in dry valleys, 1200 - 2000 metres. Often gregarious on hillsides.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

One report says that the plant has edible qualities but does not say what part of the plant is eaten.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

The seed is considered useful for destroying vermin. Wood - hard. Mainly used as a fuel.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile dry soil in full sun. Requires a hot dry position, succeeding outdoors only in the warmer areas of the country where its wood will be better ripened and more able to withstand winter cold. Hardy to about -15°c. Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well. 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 greenhouse. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year. Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame. Air-layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant contains cytosine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Edwardsia mollis. Royle.