Siberian peashrub Caragana arborescens
Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Siberia and Mongolia to northern China. It grows 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall and 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -42 °C (-44 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Siberian peashrub in your garden →
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Siberian peashrub at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -42 °C (-44 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (cooked), flowers |
| Native to | Siberia and Mongolia to northern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Siberian peashrub toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Raw seeds and pods are not well documented for toxicity; eat only cooked seeds and flowers.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Siberian peashrub
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Siberian peashrub
- How far apart should I plant Siberian peashrub?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft).
- Does Siberian peashrub need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Siberian peashrub need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Siberian peashrub?
- It tolerates about -42 °C (-44 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Siberian peashrub flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Siberian peashrub poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Raw seeds and pods are not well documented for toxicity; eat only cooked seeds and flowers.
- What grows well with Siberian peashrub?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Widely planted in northern windbreaks and shelterbelts because it tolerates extreme cold, wind and poor soil.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis