Silverleaf Scurf Pea, Silverleaf Indian breadroot
Psoralea argophylla

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Psoralea argophylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry prairies.

N. America - Wisconsin, Minnesota to North Dakota, Saskatchewan, Missouri, Colorado and New Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw or cooked. The root can also be dried and ground into a powder then used in soups or with cereals for making bread etc.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A tea made from the finely ground leaves and stems is used as a febrifuge. A decoction of the plant can be used as a wash for wounds. An infusion of the root is used to treat chronic constipation.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Other

Rating:

Valuable under natural conditions as a soil stabilizer. The tough green stems can be made into a basket.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

We have very little information for this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are very intolerant of root disturbance, they are best planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small. 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.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early to mid spring in a greenhouse. Either sow the seed in individual pots or pot up the young seedlings as soon as possible in order to avoid root disturbance. Grow them on in the pots until planting out in their final positions. It is usually impossible to transplant this species without fatal damage to the root. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention of toxicity for this species has been found, at least some members of this genus contain furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pediomelum argophyllum. (Pursh.)J.Grimes.