Herb latin name: Psoralea subacaulis


Synonyms: Pediomelum subacaulis


Family: Leguminosae



Edible parts of Psoralea subacaulis:

Root - raw or cooked. It can also be dried, ground into a powder and used in soups or with cereals for making bread etc.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
20 cm
(7 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Rocky limestone soils and cedar glades.

Other uses of Psoralea subacaulis:

The plant is a good soil stabilizer in its natural environment.

Propagation of the herb:

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 Psoralea subacaulis:

Rocky limestone soils and cedar glades.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Psoralea subacaulis:

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.