Caragana pygmaea aka Caragana Pygmaea

Caragana pygmaea is a small shrub in the pea family. Its common names include pygmy peashrub and pygmy caragana. It comes from temperate Asia, from Siberia to Xinjiang. Records also list Mongolia and eastern Kazakhstan within its range. It grows in high, dry desert sites. These sites receive almost no rain during the growing season.

This slow-growing shrub loses its leaves for winter. Garden plants reach about 4–5 feet [1.2–1.5 metres] tall. They can spread to 5 feet [1.5 metres] wide. Many stems form a compact bush that spreads with age. Young growth stands upright, then bends into an arching form. Small leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each pinnate leaf has four narrow, dull green leaflets. The leaflets measure about 0.4 inches long.

Small yellow flowers have the shape of pea flowers. They bloom in May, with some records extending into June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate them, and the plant attracts wildlife. Narrow seed pods follow the flowers. Each pod measures about 0.8 inches long. The seeds ripen in September. Root nodules house bacteria that take nitrogen from the air. This partnership supplies some nitrogen to the shrub.

Full sun suits this plant best. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists partial shade as suitable. It prefers light, sandy soil with good drainage. It also grows in loam and soil with few nutrients. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Dry alkaline sites suit it, and it withstands drought. It can also grow in moist soil that drains well. Oregon State lists cold hardiness to USDA Zone 3. The shrub withstands strong winds but not coastal exposure. Hot summers and cold winters suit it best. It grows less well in mild maritime climates.

Gardeners use this shrub in borders, containers, and as a specimen. Its dense, spreading form also suits hedges. Sources note frequent hedge use in the upper Midwest. Flexible shoots can serve as ties, and the wood provides fuel. Cooked roots have served as food when other supplies fail. Plants For A Future gives this use a low edible rating. That source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. The supplied species evidence identifies no specific pest or disease problems.