Caragana arborescens

Siberian Pea

A tough, fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree valued for its exceptional cold hardiness and adaptability. In late spring, bright yellow pea-like flowers line the branches, followed by narrow seed pods. Fine-textured, blue-green foliage gives a soft appearance and excellent wind-filtering qualities. Extremely durable and long-lived, even in harsh climates.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree



Form: Upright, rounded to irregular; multi-stemmed



Mature Width: 12–18 ft



Mature Height: 15–20 ft



Flower Color: Yellow



Foliage Color: Blue-green




Growing Conditions


USDA Hardiness Zones: 2a–7b



Light: Full sun



Soil: Highly adaptable; tolerates poor, sandy, alkaline, and dry soils



Water: Low once established; drought tolerant



Maintenance: Low; prune as needed for shape or size control




Landscape Uses
Windbreaks, hedges, screens, shelterbelts, naturalized plantings, and tough sites where few shrubs thrive. Useful for erosion control and cold-climate landscapes.


Care Tips


Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed



Thrives in exposed, windy locations



Avoid overly rich soils to prevent weak growth

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

20'

Width

12-18'

Hardiness zones

2–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Mounded, Narrow Upright, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No