Long-Stalked Pea-shrub (Caragana brevispina)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Caragana brevispina is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. 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. — 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.; High in protein, it has been recommended as an emergency food for humans.

Habitat & North American Range

Higher forests, in the undergrowth of fir and oak forests or in open glades on dry ridges from 1500 - 2700 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)