Russian pea shrub (Caragana frutex)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Caragana frutex is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Caragana species are in the Legume Family, and well known for producing edible pods and peas. The pods are cylinder shaped and 2-3 cm long (1"). We could find no reference for this species is edible but it is likely! — Caragana species are in the Legume Family, and well known for producing edible pods and peas.; The pods are cylinder shaped and 2-3 cm long (1").; We could find no reference for this species is edible but it is likely!.

Habitat & North American Range

Shrub thickets among feather-grass steppes and steppelike meadows, dry slopes, riverside terraces, shore cliffs, forest margins, and mixed or pine forests. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)