Psoralea tenuiflora
Pursh
Slender-flower Lemonweed
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Summary
Source: WikipediaA 1m-tall perennial with hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated flowers. Nitrogen-fixing species suited to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acid to basic pH. Full sun required; accommodates dry or moist soil.
Description
A 1m-tall perennial with hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated flowers. Nitrogen-fixing species suited to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acid to basic pH. Full sun required; accommodates dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
The root can be eaten raw or cooked, or dried and ground into a powder for use in soups or combined with cereals for making bread. Note that one report suggests this species may not actually produce a tuberous root.
Traditional Uses
The roots are eaten raw, cooked or made into flour. Caution: The leaves are poisonous.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
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. The plant is said t be poisonous to livestock.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information for this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. Some botanists have now renamed this plant, moving it into a new genus as Psoralidium tenuiflorum. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are very intolerant of root disturbance, they are best planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in warm water, then sow in early to mid spring in a greenhouse. Sow in individual pots, or pot up seedlings as soon as possible to avoid root disturbance, growing them on in pots until planting out in their final positions. Transplanting this species almost always causes fatal root damage. Division in spring is theoretically possible but must be done with extreme care, as the plant strongly resents root disturbance and successful division is virtually impossible.
Other Uses
The plant is a good soil stabilizer in its natural environment and fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
