Origin
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones, also known as Sand-loving milkvetch, is a perennial plant native to the western regions of North America including California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Common Names
Sand-loving milkvetch is commonly known by other names such as silvery milkvetch, dwarf milkvetch, and tenacious milkvetch.
Uses
Sand-loving milkvetch has various uses. In traditional medicine, it has been used as a remedy for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. It contains saponins that have expectorant properties that help in clearing the air passages. Additionally, the plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock grazing in arid regions of the western United States.
General Appearance
The Sand-loving milkvetch plant is characterized by its small size, with a height of approximately 5-20 centimeters. It has woody stems that grow horizontally with linear leaves that are 1-3 cm long. The leaves are silvery-gray and have hairs that help protect the plant from the intense sun and heat of its arid habitat. The plant produces small purple flowers, which blossom mainly from May to June.
Light Requirements
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones, a member of the legume family, thrives in full sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but it grows best when exposed to sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones is between 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C). It is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, indicating that it can withstand cold winters. However, if the temperature goes below 10°F (-12°C), it might damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones prefers well-drained, sandy, and loamy soil. It can grow in soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0. The plant is drought-tolerant, and its growth is not affected even in dry conditions.
The plant requires a good amount of nutrients to grow. It can benefit from organic fertilizers like compost or manure. However, the plant does not require heavy fertilization.
Cultivation methods for Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones commonly referred to as Groundplum Milkvetch, is a perennial plant whose roots are beneficial to soil nutrients. Planting can be done either by direct seeding or by planting seedlings. The ideal planting time is during the early spring season when the soil temperature is between 60°F - 70°F. The planting site should be in a sunny area with well-drained soil that is free from pests and diseases. The planting holes should be spaced 12-18 inches apart and should be sufficiently deep to accommodate the root system.
Watering needs of Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones
Adequate water supply is important for healthy plant growth, especially during the early stages of development. Newly planted Groundplum Milkvetch requires frequent watering until they become established. After the establishment period, the plant can withstand drought to some extent. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent the development of root diseases.
Fertilization of Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones
Groundplum Milkvetch grows well in soils with low to moderate fertility. Therefore, adding organic matter to the soil during planting is recommended. The addition of fertilizers should be done sparingly since the plant does not require high levels of nitrogen. Application of too much nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth and cause the plant to become susceptible to disease.
Pruning Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones
Groundplum Milkvetch does not require pruning since it has a shrubby nature. However, deadheading can be done to remove spent flowers. This process will prevent the plant from redirecting its energy towards seed production and, instead, focus on vegetative growth.
Propagation of Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones can be propagated by several methods. These plants are hardy and able to grow in poor soil conditions, making them easy to propagate and transplant.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones is by seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring. The seeds have a hard seed coat that needs to be scarified before planting. This can be done by either soaking the seeds in hot water or by nicking the seed coat. Once the seed coat is broken, the seeds can be planted in moist soil, covered with a thin layer of sand or vermiculite and kept in a warm and bright location.
Cuttings Propagation
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones can also be propagated by cuttings. Take a 4-inch cutting from the stem of the plant and remove the leaves from the bottom two inches of the cutting. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm and bright location and water as needed. In about four weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Division Propagation
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the fall or early spring. Dig up the plant and separate the root clumps into smaller sections. Replant the divided sections in soil that has been amended with compost or other organic material. Water the newly transplanted sections well and keep them in a protected area until they have established themselves in their new location.
Disease Management
Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones can suffer from several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause yellow or brown lesions on leaves, stems, and flowers, leading to defoliation and reduced vigor. To manage anthracnose, remove all infected plant parts and dispose of them. Use a fungicide if necessary and keep the plant well-pruned and watered to reduce stress.
- Leaf spot: Several fungi can cause leaf spot in Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones, leading to circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy infected leaves, increase air circulation around the plant, and use a fungicide if necessary.
- Root rot: Overwatering, poor drainage, and soil-borne fungi can cause root rot in this plant. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If root rot occurs, remove the affected plant from the soil, trim off any rotted roots, and replant the remaining healthy roots in fresh soil.
Pest Management
Several pests can also affect Astragalus humistratus Gray var. tenerrimus M.E. Jones, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on new growth, causing stunted growth, distortion, and yellowing of leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage aphids.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck sap from leaves, causing yellowing and webbing. Increase humidity around the plant by misting or using a humidifier, and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects can cause distorted growth, silvering of leaves, and black spots. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage thrips.
