Pea bush

Profile

Family

Fabaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

6 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

50 years

First yield

after 4 years

Hardiness

zone 2–7

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

7 – 8.5

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Seeds and young pods (raw or cooked, similar to peas) are available in quantities of 40,000 seeds per kilogram, with 4-6 seeds per pod. They are especially popular with chickens and can also be used as salad leaves.

Medicinal: Plant (breast cancer, uterine dilatation, gynecological problems) according to the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Kiangsu, 1977) In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is used to treat breast cancer, uterine dilatation, and gynecological problems.

Other uses: Leaves color blue; bark and fiber used for making ropes; biomass improves soil quality and prevents erosion; also used as animal feed and for protection.

Growing

The Siberian pea bush thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure, preferably light, sandy, dry, or well-drained soil, and can tolerate very alkaline conditions. It grows well in nutrient-poor soil and on marginal land, being drought-resistant and fast-growing. Hardy to about -30°C, it prefers a continental climate and requires very cold winters to thrive. While it flourishes in the eastern part of the country, including northern regions, it is less successful in the wetter west. Protection from morning sun is advisable for young growth in spring. The plant shows promise as a staple food crop due to its nutritious seeds, which are small but abundant and easy to harvest. It is also recommended for nitrogen-fixing, windbreak, and groundcover purposes, aiding soil binding and fiber and pigment production. Some cultivated forms are highly ornamental, such as the compact 'Nana' and the hanging-branched 'Pendula'. Additionally, it serves as a good bee plant and is resistant to the honey fungus. The species forms a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen in nodules on the roots, benefiting both its growth and nearby plants.

Notable

Special features: wind and drought resistant; pioneer plant for sandy/well-drained and nutrient-poor soil, best in continental climates; seeds can be stored for years; 40,000 seeds ~ 1 kg; 4-6 seeds per pod; 1 kg ~ >5,000 pods! Large-fruited varieties are expected. Propagation: seeds, cuttings (7-10 cm), layering in spring.

Origin & habitat

Riverbanks, sand, open forests, forest edges, and rocky slopes are impacted by erosion.

Wooded areas and hedgerows, particularly on slopes, are frequently found on limestone-rich soils.

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