Origin
Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh is a plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to the western United States, specifically in Nevada, California, and Arizona.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Winged Tule Pea or the Swamp Milk Vetch. Other names that may be used include the Speckled Clover, Marsh Milk Vetch, and Tule Milk Vetch.
Uses
The plant has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. The root of the plant is known to be used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, stomach ulcers, and skin disorders. The plant is also used in the reclamation of disturbed lands and to promote soil nitrogen fixation.
General Appearance
The Winged Tule Pea is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 20 to 60 centimeters tall. It has a long, slender stem that is reddish-brown in color and covered in fine white hairs. The leaves are pinnately compound and have 10 to 20 leaflets. The flowers are small and pea-like, pinkish-white with dark pink veins or purple. The Fruit is a papery pod containing 2-8 seeds.
Light Requirements
The Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade. For optimal growth, it is recommended to place the plant in areas where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. Temperatures ranging between 20 to 38°C (68 to 100°F) are ideal. The plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from frost during cold weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh plant grows well in sandy to loamy soil types. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 for optimal growth.
It is also recommended to improve the soil structure by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil prior to planting. This will improve soil fertility and increase water holding capacity, thus promoting healthy plant growth.
Cultivation
Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh is a small plant that grows well in warm temperatures and direct sunlight. It is best to grow the plant in well-drained soil, with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. The plant can be propagated through seed germination or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during its growing season of spring to early fall. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be decreased during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry partially before watering again. In case of excessive water, the leaves may turn yellow and drop off.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be given between late spring and early fall to promote growth and flowering. A low-nitrogen fertilizer can be used, such as a 5-10-10 mixture, applied at half the recommended rate every two weeks. Over-fertilization can lead to the condition of root burn that causes plant death.
Pruning
Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh requires little pruning as it is a small plant. However, it is advisable to remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems and leaves to prevent them from affecting the healthy parts of the plant. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh
Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh is typically propagated through seeds. This method involves collecting mature seeds from the plant and preparing them for sowing.
Collecting Seeds
The seeds should be collected when they have turned brown and have started to split open. This is usually around late summer or early fall. The seed pods should be carefully picked by hand and then allowed to dry in a cool, dry location until they are fully dry.
Preparing Seeds for Sowing
Once the seeds are fully dry, they should be mechanically scarified to help with germination. This involves nicking the seed coat with a knife or scissors. Alternatively, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
Sowing Seeds
The seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix in small individual pots or in a seed tray. The pots or trays should be kept in a warm, bright location and watered regularly. Germination can take several weeks to occur. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh can be prone to several diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is root rot, which is caused by a fungal pathogen. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of the plant, wilting, and blackened or mushy roots. To prevent root rot, it is essential to maintain good soil drainage and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already infected, remove the infected parts and replace the soil.
Another disease that affects Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance on the leaves. A preventive measure for powdery mildew is to ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If the plant is already infected, apply a fungicide following the product instructions.
Pest Management
Astragalus limnocharis Barneby var. tabulaeus Welsh may also be attacked by pests such as spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, which leads to yellow leaves and stunted growth. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water regularly and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and prune off heavily infested areas.
Thrips are tiny insects that can cause significant damage by feeding on the plant's leaves and flowers. To control thrips, use sticky traps or apply insecticide following the product instructions.
