Caragana fruticosa

Uses

Toxic parts

The following report belongs to the closely related C. arborescens. Reports that this plant contains toxins have not been substantiated^[1]. The occurrence of cystine in the seeds is doubtful^[1].

Edible uses

Notes

The following uses are for the closely related C. arborescens and can probably also be applied to this species[K].

Seed - cooked^[2]^[3]. Small but produced in abundance^[4], there are 4 - 6 seeds per pod^[5]. A bland flavour, it is best used in spicy dishes^[6]. The raw seed has a mild pea-like flavour, though we are not sure if it should be eaten in quantity when raw[K]. The seed contains 12.4% of a fatty oil and up to 36% protein^[6], it has been recommended as an emergency food for humans^[1].

Young pods - cooked and used as a vegetable^[7]^[8]^[3]^[9]^[6].

Seed

Unknown use

Seedpod

Unknown use

Material uses

The following uses are for the closely related C. arborescens and can probably also be applied to this species[K].

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for making cordage^[7]^[8]^[10]. A blue dye is obtained from the leaves^[10]. The seed contains 12.4% of a fatty oil^[10]. The plant can be grown as a hedge^[11]. It is quite wind-resistant and can also be planted in a shelterbelt^[12].

The plant has an extensive root system and can be used for erosion control, especially on marginal land^[11].

Unknown part

Dye

Fibre

Oil

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Caragana fruticosa.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Windbreak

Earth stabiliser

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[12]. 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^[13]^[14]^[12]. If the seed has not swollen then scarify it and re-soak for another 12 hours before sowing^[15]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c^[15]. Good percentage^[4]. 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^[14].

Layering in spring.

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

Cultivation

Succeeds in most well-drained soils, preferring full sun and a light sandy dry or well-drained soil^[16]^[4]^[12]. Tolerates very alkaline soils^[5]. Does not require a rich soil^[16]^[4]^[17], succeeding on marginal land^[11]. Established plants are drought resistant^[11]. Fast growing^[18].

This species is hardy to at least -30°c^[19], 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^[12]. This species is closely related to C. arborescens, differing in the larger flowers, shorter seedpods and the stipules being scarcely thorny^[4]. It can probably be used in all the ways C. arborescens is used and thus has excellent potential as a human food.[K]. A good bee plant^[10]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus^[12].

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^[12].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Caragana fruticosa. 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 fruticosa.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies