Sophora mollis
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile dry soil in full sun. Hardy to about -15°c. Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year. Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame. Air-layering.
Edible uses
One report says that the plant has edible qualities but does not say what part of the plant is eaten.
Material uses
The seed is considered useful for destroying vermin. Wood - hard. Mainly used as a fuel.
Habitat
Rocks in dry valleys, 1200 - 2000 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - Himalayas.