Caragana brevispina

Uses

Toxic parts

Reports that this plant contains toxins have not been substantiated^[1]. The occurrence of cystine in the seeds is doubtful^[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Seed - cooked^[2]. Small but produced in abundance. The seed of a plant seen at the Royal Horticultural Gardens, Wisley in Surrey in September 1993 was about twice the size of C. arborescens but it had a distinctly bitter taste[K]. High in protein, it has been recommended as an emergency food for humans. Young buds - cooked as a green vegetable^[3].

Seed

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are very spiny and provide an impenetrable barrier.

The extensive root system of this plant makes it useful for planting to control soil erosion.

Wood - hard, close grained^[4]. An important fuel wood for people living at high elevations^[3].

Unknown part

Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

A decoction of the plant is taken in the treatment of aching joints^[3].

There are no medicinal uses listed for Caragana brevispina.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Earth stabiliser

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[5]. It usually germinates in 2 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water then sown in a cold frame^[6]^[7]^[5]. If the seed has not swollen then scarify it and re-soak for another 12 hours before sowing^[8]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c^[8]. Good percentage^[9]. 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^[7].

Layering in spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Caragana brevispina. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

Cultivation

Succeeds in most well-drained soils, but prefers full sun and a light sandy dry or well-drained soil^[10]^[9]^[5]. Does not require a rich soil^[9], succeeding on marginal land^[2]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils^[2]. Established plants are drought resistant^[2].

This species is hardy to at least -20°c^[11], it prefers a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters so it does not grow so well in the milder western half of Britain^[5]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus^[5].

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^[5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Caragana brevispina. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Caragana brevispina.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies