Herb: Silverleaf Scurf Pea


Latin name: Psoralea argophylla


Synonyms: Pediomelum argophyllum


Family: Leguminosae



Medicinal use of Silverleaf Scurf Pea:

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.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Dry prairies.

Edible parts of Silverleaf Scurf Pea:

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.

Other uses of the herb:

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

Propagation of Silverleaf Scurf Pea:

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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry prairies.

Known hazards of Psoralea argophylla:

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.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.