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 Ladeania lanceolata (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 lanceolatum (Pursh) Rydb., whilst various other treatments retain this species in Psoralea as Psoralea lanceolata Pursh.

Common Name: Lemon Scurf Pea

General Information

Ladeania lanceolata is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a creeping, branched rootstock; it can grow 15 - 40cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and possibly also as a food. The plant can be used within its range as a soil stabilizer.
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

Western and central N. America - Alberta and Saskatchewan, south to California, New Mexico and Texas

Habitat

Dry prairies and hills[]. Found mainly on sandy soils, but also found on semi-stabilized soils of sagebrush communities.

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ladeania lanceolate is native to the central belt of N. America, from southern Canada toTexas and, as such, will be subject to a continental climate in much of its range with very hot summers and very cold winters.
Species in this genus generally require a well-drained soil in a sunny position, succeeding in most soils[, ]. This species is found mainly in sandy soils in the wild.
Plants are very intolerant of root disturbance, they are best planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small[].
The whole plant is aromatic.
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[, ]. The root can also be dried, ground into a powder and used in soups or with cereals for making bread etc[]. One report says that the root of this species is not tuberous[].

Medicinal

A cold infusion of the leaves can be drunk as a treatment for stomach aches and menstrual pain[]. The fresh leaves can be chewed to relieve a sore throat and restore the voice[].
The oily leaves can be rubbed on the skin to treat a dry skin[]. A poultive of the leaves is used to treat itches and sores[]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a wash on the head to relieve a headache[].
A snuff made from the leaves of this plant, combined with the blossoms of sneezeweed (this could be Dugaldia hoopesii, Helenium autumnale or Helenium microcephalum) can be inhaled as a remedy for headaches[].

The root can be chewed to treat a hoarse throat[]. A compound decoction of the root is used to treat venereal diseases[].

The fresh flowers can be eaten as a treatment for stomach aches[].

Agroforestry Uses:

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

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the roots has been used to make string and nets[].

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[].