Silverleaf Scurf Pea

Psoralea argophylla

Physical Characteristics

Psoralea argophylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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.

Distribution

Central N. America - Alberta to Manitoba, south through the central belt to New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[105, 161]. The root can also be dried and ground into a powder then used in soups or with cereals for making bread etc[161]. Edible Uses & Caution: Only the roots of silverleaf breadroot and related species are edible. All other parts are inedible. Breadroots were historically important food plants, particularly Indian breadroot (P. esculentum) of the Great Plains, though that species is largely absent from the Southwest. Southwestern species, including silverleaf breadroot, were used less frequently due to their scarcity [2-3]. Food Potential: The roots of silverleaf breadroot are rich in carbohydrates and of good quality when found in sufficient size. They are typically off-white with brown skins, and most of the root is reasonably chewable except for the cores. The skins are bitter, so peeling is recommended. Boiling improves the flavor by drawing out bitterness and softening the texture, producing a pleasant, starchy taste. Roots can also be baked, added to soups, or dried and ground into flour. Dried shavings reconstitute well in water and can even be fried for a nutritious snack [2-3]. Quality and yield vary—some plants produce substantial roots worth the effort of harvesting, while others offer little. Vigorous plant growth is often a sign of more robust roots below ground [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Laxative A tea made from finely ground leaves and stems is used as a febrifuge[213 ]. A decoction of the plant can be used as a wash for wounds[257 ]. A root infusion is used to treat chronic constipation[257 ].

Known Hazards

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[65].