Common Name: Shag-Spine Peashrub

General Information

Caragana jubata is a very spiny, deciduous shrub with two basic forms. When growing in forests it is usually erect and around 100 - 300cm tall, occasionally to 500cm, either branching from the base or with a single main stem before branching. When growing in alpine or arctic regions it is usually more or less prostrate and dwarf[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a hedge[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Siberia, Russian Far East, Mongolia, China, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan

Habitat

Dry gravel slopes above the sub-alpine forest belt[]. Stony slopes and alpine meadows in the upper mountain zone; in the forest belt mainly on sandy or stony islands and banks in river valleys, in
forest margins, and the shade of coniferous forests[]

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Caragana jubata is a plant of continental climates with their hot often dry summers and cold winters. It does not grow so well in maritime climates with their moist, cloudy weather and mild winters that can excite a plant into growth too early in the year[]. In such a climate the best chance of success is to grow the plant at the foot of a warm dry wall in a well-drained light soil[].
Prefers full sun and a light sandy dry or well-drained soil[, , ]. Dislikes damp conditions[]. Does not require a rich soil, succeeding on marginal land[].
A remarkably curious shrub, but it is not showy[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is antirheumatic, demulcent, vulnerary. It is used in the treatment of boils, swellings, coughs, headaches and rheumatic arthritis[].

The heartwood is used to treat blood pressure problems and menstrual disorders[]

The whole plant is antibacterial, antioxidant. It has been used in the treatment of some cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, blood circulation disorder, blood stasis in the Amchi Medicine. It is also used to treat arthritis and abnormal menstruation and muscle pain[]

The plants have been shown to contain a number of medicinally active compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A very spiny plant, it forms an impenetrable barrier and can be grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the bark is used for making cordage, gunny bags etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. It usually germinates in 2 weeks[]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water then sown in a cold frame[, , ]. If the seed has not swollen then scarify it and re-soak for another 12 hours before sowing[]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c[]. Good percentage[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering in spring.