Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) K.Koch
Bibliography: Dendrologie 1: 48 (1869)
Year: 1869
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Caragana
Vegetable: False
Observations: Bulgaria to Xinjiang
Description
The Russian peashrub, scientifically known as Caragana frutex, is a member of the Fabaceae family, which is renowned for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. This hardy shrub boasts a diverse geographical presence, ranging from Bulgaria to the distant landscapes of Xinjiang.
Caragana frutex is characterized by its adaptability to a variety of soil types and climatic conditions, making it a resilient plant in both arid and semi-arid regions. This notable adaptability can be attributed to its deep-rooting system, which allows it to access water even in challenging conditions.
The plant typically features bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring, adding a splash of color to otherwise harsh environments. These flowers subsequently give way to seed pods, which are edible and have historically contributed to the dietary sustenance of local populations.
Aside from its aesthetic appeal and nutritional benefits, the Russian peashrub serves an important ecological function. Its roots form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enhancing soil fertility and benefitting surrounding plant life. This makes Caragana frutex a valuable addition to environmental conservation efforts, especially in areas facing degradation.
The Russian peashrub’s historical significance is underscored by its early documentation in the literature, with references found as early as 1869 in the work “Dendrologie 1” by K. Koch, illustrating its longstanding recognition and utilization.
In summary, Caragana frutex stands as a testament to nature’s ingenuity, offering ecological benefits, adaptability, and historical value. Whether through its striking blossoms, role in soil enhancement, or historical culinary uses, the Russian peashrub remains a versatile and valuable plant species across its extensive range.
Common Names
Deu: busch-erbsenstrauch
Eng: russian peashrub, russian pea shrub
Lav: krūmu karag
Swe: lyckobladsbuske
Fra: caragana buissonnant, acacia de sibérie, arbre aux pois buissonnant
En: Russian peashrub, Russian pea shrub
Fr: Caragana buissonnant, Acacia de Sibérie, Arbre aux pois buissonnant, Acacia jaune
De: Busch-Erbsenstrauch
Lv: Krūmu karag
Sv: Lyckobladsbuske
Synonyms
- Robinia frutex (L.)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Krym (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Baltic States (introduced)
- Belarus (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 15, 2022 by Kim Eype (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2022 by mary roch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2022 by mary roch (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2022 by mary roch (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 27, 2019 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 27, 2019 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2943316)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:483831-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Caragana frutex (L.) K.Koch)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub
