Caragana microphylla (Littleleaf Peashrub)

Caragana microphylla (Littleleaf Peashrub) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to regions of central and eastern Asia, including China, Mongolia, and Russia. It is widely cultivated in other parts of the world for its ornamental and ecological value.

Appearance: Littleleaf Peashrub typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) as a tree, but it can also be pruned and maintained as a large shrub. It has an upright, spreading growth habit with multiple slender branches. The leaves are small, compound, and consist of numerous tiny leaflets, typically measuring less than 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) in length. The foliage is a medium green color and turns yellow in the fall.

Flowers: Littleleaf Peashrub produces small, bright yellow flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are pea-like in shape and are arranged in clusters along the branches. They are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Fruit: After the flowers, Littleleaf Peashrub forms small, pea-like pods that contain seeds. The pods are initially green and mature to a brown color. These pods persist into winter and can add ornamental interest to the plant.

Landscape Use: Littleleaf Peashrub is valued for its hardiness, adaptability, and nitrogen-fixing ability. It is often used in landscaping for erosion control, windbreaks, and as a wildlife habitat. It can also be planted as a specimen plant or in mixed borders.

Maintenance: Littleleaf Peashrub is relatively low-maintenance once established. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor and alkaline soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Regular watering is necessary during the establishment period, but once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Pruning can be done to maintain a desired shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Ecological Importance: Caragana microphylla has the ability to fix nitrogen in its roots, which enriches the soil with nitrogen, benefiting other plants growing nearby. It can also provide food and shelter for wildlife.