Shrubby Sophora

Sophora flavescens, Fabaceae

Zones

6–9

Layer

Shrub

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

ProducerNitrogen FixerPollinator AttractorPest ConfuserWindbreak

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 8

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Large-Head AtractylodesAtractylodes macrocephala

Nitrogen FixationPest Deterrent

Fendler's CeanothusCeanothus fendleri

Nitrogen Fixation

Korshinsky's Pea-shrubCaragana korshinskii

Nitrogen FixationPest Deterrent

Antagonistic Plants

Seneca SnakerootPolygala senega

Shrubby sophora produces quinolizidine alkaloids that can inhibit root development in nearby herbs, particularly affecting shallow-rooted species like Seneca snakeroot.

Chinese ThorowaxBupleurum chinense

Alkaloids from shrubby sophora can inhibit growth of herbaceous medicinal plants like Chinese thorowax.

Crow-dipperPinellia ternata

Quinolizidine alkaloids from shrubby sophora can inhibit germination and growth of small herbaceous plants like crow-dipper.

Uses

Functions

Skin Disorder TreatmentAntimicrobial MedicineNitrogen FixationErosion Control

Medicinal Uses

Skin InfectionsEczemaDysenteryJaundiceUrinary Tract InfectionsAnti-InflammatoryAntimicrobial

Common Questions

What zones does Shrubby Sophora grow in?

Shrubby Sophora grows in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9.

Is Shrubby Sophora a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Shrubby Sophora is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Shrubby Sophora?

Good companions for Shrubby Sophora include Large-Head Atractylodes, Fendler's Ceanothus, Korshinsky's Pea-shrub.

Design guilds with Shrubby Sophora and see companion relationships visually.

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