Silky Sophora

Sophora sericea

Physical Characteristics

Sophora sericea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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

South-western N. America - South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming, south to Texas, Arizona and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw[46, 61]. A sweet flavour, it is chewed as a delicacy[105, 257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The plant contains cytisine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic[238]. The seed is poisonous[149].