Beaver Indian breadroot
Psoralea castoreafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 008F — Psoralea castorea
Psoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castoreaPsoralea castorea
IOverview
Overview
Beaver Indian breadroot, scientifically known as Psoralea castorea, is a perennial herb that grows up to 0.5 meters in height and thrives in full sun with light to moist soil, often found in sandy or medium-textured environments. Native to Arizona, California, and Nevada, this plant has been valued for its edible root, which can be consumed raw or cooked. Its distinctive feature includes the ability to grow well in dry conditions, making it a resilient species in various habitats within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Beaver Indian breadroot?
Beaver Indian breadroot, scientifically known as Psoralea castorea, is a perennial herb that grows up to 0.5 meters in height and thrives in full sun with light to moist soil, often found in sandy or medium-textured environments.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Beaver Indian breadroot thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It can grow in dry to moist conditions but generally requires less water once established. This perennial plant reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens in Arizona, California, and Nevada. For propagation, gardeners can use root cuttings, ensuring the soil remains well-drained throughout its cultivation. The edible parts are the roots, which can be harvested after the plant has matured.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Beaver Indian breadroot for the first time
8steps
Start with Beaver Indian breadroot by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A small shovel or trowel, seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy) and medium textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 meters apart in the garden bed, or plant young seedlings at the same spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the roots. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when the soil is dry, being careful not to overwater.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to maintain plant health. Avoid harvesting roots as they are used for planting.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Beaver Indian breadroot is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is commonly dug and eaten raw or cooked. The plant grows in Arizona, California, and Nevada, thriving in dry to moist conditions and light sandy soil.
Other uses:Erosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 3 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Nevada
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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