History of shrubs: The caragan tree, the gardener's ally
This species, native to Eastern Europe and Asia, has been useful to humans since prehistoric times!
Siberian Caraganier – Organic
4.19$
The caragan tree is a large, fast-growing shrub often used to form hedges. It flowers in May and can reach up to 5 m high and 2 m wide. Rich in protein, its seeds were part of the diet of inhabitants of Asia and Eastern Europe and the fiber of its bark was used to make rope. The caraganier arrived in America in the trunks of immigrants from Eastern Europe who fed on its peas during their long journey. Although its food use is today limited to its flowers to decorate our salads, its use in permaculture is more current than ever
Native to very cold climates, the Siberian caraganian survives temperatures as frigid as -40°C. This shrub, tolerant of drought, alkaline soils and de-icing salts, does well in drained soils. It prefers full sun exposure, but tolerates light shade.
The services that the caraganier provides in permaculture are numerous. He makes an excellent windbreak at the edge of gardens or orchards. The caragan tree also helps to neutralize the pH of the soil and it acts as a pioneer plant in disturbed sites to enrich the soil and stabilize it. Its large root system is useful for preventing erosion on slopes or on bare soil. Several birds, including the hummingbird, choose the Siberian caragane tree to build their nest there. Its seeds also represent an appreciable source of food for some species of seed-eating birds. The yellow flowers of this shrub attract a wide diversity of pollinating insects. Finally, the flowers, pods and seeds of caragania are edible. The yellow flowers that appear early in the season have a pea-like flavor. As for the pods that are still very young, they are eaten like beans while they are cooked like lentils when dried.
| Quantity of bags | Discount |
|---|---|
| 3 | 15% |
| 4+ | 20% |
Available at the ecoumene only
The caragan tree is a large, fast-growing shrub often used to form hedges. It flowers in May and can reach up to 5 m high and 2 m wide. Rich in protein, its seeds were part of the diet of inhabitants of Asia and Eastern Europe and the fiber of its bark was used to make rope. The caraganier arrived in America in the trunks of immigrants from Eastern Europe who fed on its peas during their long journey. Although its food use is today limited to its flowers to decorate our salads, its use in permaculture is more current than ever
Native to very cold climates, the Siberian caraganian survives temperatures as frigid as -40°C. This shrub, tolerant of drought, alkaline soils and de-icing salts, does well in drained soils. It prefers full sun exposure, but tolerates light shade.
The services that the caraganier provides in permaculture are numerous. He makes an excellent windbreak at the edge of gardens or orchards. The caragan tree also helps to neutralize the pH of the soil and it acts as a pioneer plant in disturbed sites to enrich the soil and stabilize it. Its large root system is useful for preventing erosion on slopes or on bare soil. Several birds, including the hummingbird, choose the Siberian caragane tree to build their nest there. Its seeds also represent an appreciable source of food for some species of seed-eating birds. The yellow flowers of this shrub attract a wide diversity of pollinating insects. Finally, the flowers, pods and seeds of caragania are edible. The yellow flowers that appear early in the season have a pea-like flavor. As for the pods that are still very young, they are eaten like beans while they are cooked like lentils when dried.
Semis
Culture
biotope
Ecosystem services
Procurement Services
Edible parts:
