Astragalus holmgreniorum Plant Care
Astragalus holmgreniorum Barneby
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Astragalus holmgreniorum is a rare species of milkvetch known by the common names Holmgren milk-vetch and paradox milk-vetch. It is native to a tiny section of desert shrub woodland on the border between Utah and Arizona, in the far northern Mojave Desert.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Plant Astragalus holmgreniorum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Astragalus holmgreniorum Native To?
What Is the Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Astragalus holmgreniorum (Astragalus holmgreniorum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Astragalus genus. Astragalus holmgreniorum is native to a tiny section of desert shrub woodland on the border between Utah and Arizona, in the far northern Mojave Desert.
Astragalus holmgreniorum displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Astragalus holmgreniorum produces small pea-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Water a young or newly planted Astragalus holmgreniorum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Astragalus holmgreniorum Need?
Astragalus holmgreniorum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Astragalus holmgreniorum Prefer?
Astragalus holmgreniorum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Astragalus holmgreniorum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Astragalus holmgreniorum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Feed Astragalus holmgreniorum every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Astragalus holmgreniorum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Astragalus holmgreniorum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Prune Astragalus holmgreniorum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Astragalus holmgreniorum in Winter?
Astragalus holmgreniorum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Astragalus holmgreniorum can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aragallus acutirostris plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Astragalus holmgreniorum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Astragalus holmgreniorum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Astragalus holmgreniorum?
Astragalus holmgreniorum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Astragalus holmgreniorum Need?
Astragalus holmgreniorum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Astragalus holmgreniorum is native to a tiny section of desert shrub woodland on the border between Utah and Arizona, in the far northern Mojave Desert. In cooler regions, grow Astragalus holmgreniorum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Astragalus holmgreniorum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Astragalus genus — compare its care with other Astragalus species on PlantoScan.
Astragalus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Astragalus holmgreniorum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Astragalus Species
Other Astragalus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Astragalus holmgreniorum Barneby, family Fabaceae (first published in Brittonia 32: 24 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Astragalus holmgreniorum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
