Siberian Peashrub - Zone 3

Caragana arborescens - The Siberian Caragana is a large, fast-growing shrub that should be familiar to any permaculturist. Hardy, de-icing salt tolerant and drought resistant, this shrub is often used in urban landscaping for its ornamental and ecosystem qualities.

A choice nesting site and larder for many bird species, this pioneer plant fixes atmospheric nitrogen and incorporates it into the soil to create a hospitable environment for its successor trees. In fact, the seeds of this shrub can be a source of food for granivorous birds and humans alike. What's more, its yellow flowers, which appear in May, provide nectar for pollinating insects and are a welcome addition to spring salads. All in all, the Siberian caraganier is an excellent species to include in a windbreak hedge to encourage local wildlife and limit soil erosion.

One of the most interesting uses of this shrub is to use the small prickles on its branches as a natural protection against deer. The principle is to repeatedly prune the ball-shaped caraganier every year and let the granivorous birds plant saskatoons, crabapples or cherries, then grow a fruit tree in its center.