Caragana pygmaea

Pygmy Peashrub

A compact, extremely hardy deciduous shrub valued for its toughness and fine texture. In late spring, small bright yellow, pea-like flowers appear along the stems, followed by slender seed pods. Dense branching and small, blue-green leaflets give it a tidy appearance, making it useful in exposed or low-maintenance sites.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Deciduous shrub



Form: Low, rounded to spreading; dense branching



Mature Width: 4–6 ft



Mature Height: 3–5 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; minimal pruning needed




Landscape Uses
Low hedges, mass plantings, windbreaks, slopes, and tough sites with poor soils or harsh exposure. Excellent for cold-climate and low-input landscapes.


Care Tips


Prune lightly in late winter or early spring if shaping is desired



Performs best in full sun and lean soils



Avoid overwatering or overly rich soils

Plant type

Flowering Shrub

Height

3-5'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Moist well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Shape

Compact, Low Mounding

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No