Astragalus pehuenches
This legume native to southern Chile and Argentina grows 10–45 cm tall, bears papilionaceous violet–blue–white flowers in terminal or axillary racemes, has inflated, glossy pods, thrives in arid sandy habitats with well-drained soil from full sun to partial shade, and is hardy to about -5°C.
Common Names
Bladderpod, Yerba Loca
Summary
Native to Central Chile and Western Argentina, this perennial legume forms a compact, base-branched habit and reaches about 30 cm in height. It grows in dry areas with 3–5 months of drought and prefers full sun on level areas or north-facing slopes at elevations around 1700–2000 m, with a deep taproot extending up to 2 ft. Distinctive features include red flowers with five petals arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems.
For cultivation, it tolerates USDA Hardiness Zone 9, does not tolerate snow, and endures occasional freezing to −5 °C. Seeds are available for propagation, and the plant carries ornamental value, making it suitable for sunny, drought-prone landscapes.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
12-17.5 inches
Spread
1-2 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 9
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.
Soil Type
Sandy, well-drained, fertile soil; pH 6.0–7.0
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral
Bloom Color
Pink, purple, yellow, white, red, violet, blue
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation Methods
Seeds and Cuttings
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts other pollinators, attracts birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Niederl.
- Publication
- Exped. Rio Negro, Bot 2: 206 (1881)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Fabales
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Subfamily
- Papilionoideae
- Genus
- Astragalus
Synonyms
Tragacantha bisinflata Tragacantha grandis Astragalus macrocarpus Astragalus megalocarpus Astragalus inflatus Phaca inflata Astragalus macrocarpus var. petiolatus Astragalus striatus Phaca striata Phaca inflata Tragacantha striata Astragalus striatus Astragalus grandis Phaca macrocarpa