The name of this species has undergone various changes, and various authors are likely to treat any one of the three following taxon as correct. We are treating it as Pediomelum tenuiflorum (Pursh) A.N.Egan & Reveal, following Egan A.N. & Reveal J. in A New Combination in Pediomelum and a New Genus, Ladeania, from Western North America (Fabaceae, Psoraleeae), Novon 19; 310-314, 2009. However, Grimes, J. W. in A revision of the New World Species of the Psoraleeae (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 61:29, 1990 placed the species in Psoralidium as Psoralidium tenuiflorum (Pursh) Rydb., whilst various other treatments retain this species in Psoralea as Psoralea tenuiflora Pursh.

Common Name: Slender Scurfy Pea

General Information

Pediomelum tenuiflorum is a much-branched, erect or ascending, herbaceous perennial plant usually growing 40 - 60cm tall, though sometimes reaching 120cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity for this species has been found, at least some members of this genus are known to contain furanocoumarins, particularly psoralen and angelicin. These compounds can be found in low concentrations in many common foods including citrus fruirs, celery, parsley and parsnips. Ingestion or skin application of these compounds in larger quantities can cause skin photosensitization followed by hyperpigmentation[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and suthern N. America - Montana to Wisconsin, south to Arizona, Texas and Missisippi

Habitat

Dry prairies, open woods and rocky banks[]. Sandy or rocky prairies, open woods and roadsides[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

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

The plant (part not specified) is used as an ingredient of an intoxicant beverage made from mescal (Agave species)[].

Medicinal

A compound decoction of the roots is used as a treatment for TB[]. An infusion of the roots is taken to relieve headaches[].

An infusion of the plant is drunk, or the leaves are smoked, as a treatment for influenza[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is a good soil stabilizer in sandy soils in its natural environment[, ].

Other Uses

A smudge made from plant stems can be used as a fumigant to repel mosquitoes[].

The plant tops can be fashioned into garlands for use as hats to protect from the sun on hot days[].

Propagation

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[].