Back
Photograph of Carqueja
Photo: Júlio Reis / Wikimedia Commons

Carqueja

Pterospartum tridentatum

  • Layer 3 · Shrubs
  • Nitrogen fixer

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to the Iberian Peninsula, carqueja is a perennial subshrub that fixes atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. It adapts to poor and dry soils, making it a crucial pioneer plant in regenerative systems.

See which trees the carqueja grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

  • Water: Low
  • Light: Full sun
  • Size: Subshrub up to 1 m
  • Mature diameter: 0.8 m
  • Soils: Loam, Sandy
  • Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

  1. January
  2. February — Planting
  3. March — Harvest — Planting
  4. April — Harvest
  5. May — Harvest
  6. June
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September
  10. October — Planting
  11. November — Planting
  12. December
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: Dried flowers are used in traditional teas to relieve sore throats and respiratory problems.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

See which trees the carqueja grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Not ready to map your land yet?

Get the free mini-guide to starting an edible forest.

We use your email only for the guide and MyArbora news. Privacy policy