Caragana sinica

Chinese peashrub is a deciduous shrub in the bean family (Fabaceae) native to eastern Asia and northern China, and can be found growing on open slopes of mountains. The genus name derives from  Caragana, which originates from the Mongolian term "caragan" or the related Turkic "karaγana," referring to Siberian pea trees or similar shrubs in the region. The specific epithet "sinica" is a Latinized form of "Sinae," the classical name for China, indicating the plant's native origin in that country.

The shrub does best in full sun to partial shade,  in a range of soil types, tolerating poor soil, cold, drought, salt spray and wind. This erect, oval shrub fixes nitrogen and has moderately sparse branches. It grows 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide in an erected rounded form.

The flowers are usually solitary reddish-yellow pea-shaped blooms in early summer, followed by legumes 1 to 1.5 inches long. In warmer climates in can be semi-evergreen.

Use this shrub in the cutting garden, in the border back, on slopes and in areas with poor soil as it fixes nitrogen. See native alternatives to the left.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:    Watch for fungal diseases. Potential insect pests are blister beetles, aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers.