Dovepea

alysicarpus vaginalis

Also known as: ["Dovepea","Cowpea Clover"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Alysicarpus Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

Alysicarpus vaginalis is a herbaceous plant in the legume family, known for its small yellow flowers and trifoliate leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Alysicarpus
Botanical Name: Alysicarpus vaginalis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: open garden beds in tropical or subtropical regions
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense sun; move outdoors in spring/summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable warmth.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize sparingly; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can root in water initially.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in fresh soil with good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Prepare new pot with drainage holes; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop; vulnerable to frost damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Alysicarpus vaginalis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs or aphids, which disrupt nutrient uptake.

Wilting in Alysicarpus vaginalis can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to root damage and impaired water absorption.

Leaf spots on Alysicarpus vaginalis may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Alysicarpus vaginalis if the soil is waterlogged, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Alysicarpus vaginalis is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Alysicarpus vaginalis is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Alysicarpus vaginalis is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for human consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Alysicarpus vaginalis toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How often should I water Alysicarpus vaginalis?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

Q: Does Alysicarpus vaginalis attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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