Native to very cold climates, the Siberian Lagoon survives temperatures as cold as -40°C. This shrub is tolerant of drought, alkaline soils, and de-icing salts and does well in drained soils. It prefers full sun exposure, but it tolerates light shade. The services provided by the caraganier in permaculture are numerous. It makes an excellent windbreak at the edge of gardens or orchards. It also helps neutralize soil pH and acts as a pioneer plant in disturbed sites to enrich and stabilize the soil. Its large root system is useful for preventing erosion on slopes or bare soil. Many birds, including the hummingbird, choose the Siberian gargan tree to build their nests. The yellow flowers that appear early in the season taste like peas. As for the pods, which are still very young, they are eaten like beans while they are cooked like lentils when dried.
