Siberian Peashrub
Caragana arborescens

Family: Pea (Fabaceae)
AKA: Siberian Pea Tree
Photo taken on: August 10, 2021
Location: Almont, CO
Life Zones: Plains to montane
Habitat: Forest edges, open woods, urban landscapes

Grows as a shrub or small tree from 6 to 20 feet tall with multiple stems from the base. New branches are yellowish-green, older branches are darker gray. Leaves are divided into pairs of leaflets with no terminal leaflet, unlike other members of the Pea family. Sharp spines grow at the base of the leaves. The fruit is a straight bean-like pod 1" to 2" long that ripens from green to yellow then brown.

Pea-like yellow flowers about ¾" long with long stalks bloom singly or in clusters.

Photo taken on: April 26, 2024
Location: Abiquiu, NM

The plant was introduced as a drought tolerant species for windbreaks, for wildlife and landscaping. It has escaped cultivation and is now considered a noxious weed in some parts of the country.