Foxtail Dalea is a handsome annual legume that adds life-sustaining fixed nitrogen to the soil. Each compound leaf is several inches long, holding up to 35 leaflets.
Foxtail Dalea is a handsome annual legume that adds life-sustaining fixed nitrogen to the soil. Each compound leaf is several inches long, holding up to 35 leaflets.
Cindy Murray
New Mexico locust, native to the region, bears globular, pink flowers irresistible to bumble bees.
Cindy Murray
Honey bees are drawn to false indigo bush, which displays seven-inch deep purple flower spikes.
Welcome to the pea family, commonly called the legume family, or as horticulturalist Catherine Kleier would say, the fabulous Fabaceae family! I’d be willing to bet that everyone reading this article has consumed fruits of quite a few members of the pea family: for instance, peas; green beans; dried beans like pintos, garbanzos, kidney beans, and soybeans; peanuts; lentils, and carob. Fabaceae is the second most diverse plant family in North America, and comprises around 18,000 known species worldwide.
What’s so fabulous about this plant family? Indisputably, certain Fabaceae have served as crucial food sources for humankind through the eons. Does that mean there’s something unique about the pea family that most other plants don’t have? I would say so: nitrogen.
Cindy Murray is a biologist and has been a Coconino Master Gardener since 2010. She is married and has two amazing grown children and two grown grandchildren. This column was edited by Lisa Miller.
If you have a gardening question but can’t attend the event, email the Master Gardener Plant Help desk at [email protected] or leave a message at 928-773-6115.
Meet Sammy, a sweet and affectionate cat who's ready to find her forever home! Sammy is a curious adventurer who loves spending time outdoors exploring her surroundings with enthusiasm. When s… Read moreCHA Pet of the Week: Sammy
Meet Vida - the LIFE of the party! This 1-year-old, 55-pound sweetheart is the perfect mix of playful and cuddly. She’s dog-friendly, fully potty trained, and loves going for walks, runs, and … Read moreHCH Pet of the Week: Vida
