Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens)

Siberian peashrub

Features and Characteristics

Caragana arborescens, commonly called Siberian pea tree, is a large, rounded, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with upright branching that grows to 15-20’ tall and to 12-15’ wide. It is native to Siberia and Manchuria. It features pinnately compound bright green leaves (to 3” long), each with 4 to 6 pairs of obovate to elliptic-oblong leaflets (to 1”). Stipules are usually spiny. Insignificant yellowish fall color. Pea-like yellow flowers bloom singly or in clusters in May on the prior year’s wood. Flowers give way to yellowish-green pods (to 3” long) that mature to brown in summer.

Genus name comes from the Latinized version of the Mongolian name for a species of the genus.

Specific epithet means tending to be woody or tree-like.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Plant tolerates a number of adverse conditions including poor soils, drought and strong winds. Extremely low maintenance shrub. May be trained as a standard.

Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens) Requirements

Hardiness zone	2 - 7
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Not considered to be very ornamental. Best use of this shrub is in difficult areas of the landscape where growing conditions are challenging. Possible uses include hedge, screen or windbreak. Shrub border.

Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens) Details

Common name	Siberian peashrub
Botanical name	Caragana arborescens
Plant type	Deciduous shrub
Family	Fabaceae
Hardiness zone	2 - 7
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellow
Flowering period	May
Height	15 - 20 ft.
Width	12 - 15 ft.