Indian Rush-Pea

Hoffmannseggia densiflora

Physical Characteristics

Hoffmannseggia densiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), Diptera. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

SW. & Central U.S.A. to Mexico, Bolivia to S. South America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Tuber - roasted[61 , 161 , 177 , 274 , 1493 ]. The roasted tubers were relished by the native N. Americans[1309 ]. Hog potato (Hoffmannseggia glauca), also known as Indian rushpea or pignut, is a member of the bean family (Fabaceae) native to the southwestern United States. Its deeply buried tubers are edible and were highly valued by Native Americans. These tubers are often described as one of the best wild foods available. Their flavor, texture, and appearance are similar to potatoes, though they are generally smaller, sweeter, firmer, and drier. The interiors are smooth and uniform without woody cores, while the thin brown skins can taste bitter and are best removed before eating. Hog potatoes can be prepared much like true potatoes—after parboiling to counteract their dryness, they may be baked, fried, roasted, sautéed, mashed, or scalloped. They can also be dried and ground into flour. Boiling for about an hour softens the texture and removes residual bitterness from the skins. The tubers make an excellent addition to soups and stews, imparting a pleasant sweetness to the broth. Despite their quality, gathering hog potatoes is difficult. Tubers are usually buried 30–70 cm (1–2 feet) deep, often in hard-packed soils, making them labor-intensive to dig up [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known