Slender Scurfy Pea, Slimflower scurfpea

Psoralea tenuiflora

Physical Characteristics

Psoralea tenuiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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

N. America - Illinois to South Dakota, Texas, Colorado and Montana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[105, 161]. It can also be dried, ground into a powder and used in soups or with cereals for making bread etc[61]. One report says that this species does not have a tuberous root[235].

Medicinal Uses

None known

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]. The plant is said t be poisonous to livestock[274].