Indian Breadroot
Psoralea cuspidata
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Pl. 9408 — Psoralea cuspidata
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IOverview
Overview
Indian Breadroot (Psoralea cuspidata) is a perennial forb or herb native to the central United States, found in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, thriving best in light (sandy) and medium soils. Known for its edible root, Indian Breadroot is valued for its culinary uses. One distinctive feature of this plant is its height, reaching about 0.6 meters; another notable characteristic is its ability to grow in a variety of soil types, making it adaptable to different environments.
Quick answers
What is Indian Breadroot?
Indian Breadroot (Psoralea cuspidata) is a perennial forb or herb native to the central United States, found in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, thriving best in light (sandy) and medium soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indian Breadroot thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It can tolerate both dry and moist conditions but generally performs best with regular watering. This perennial grows to about 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens in its native range of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. Propagate via seed or division in the spring. 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
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Indian Breadroot for the first time
8steps
Start with Indian Breadroot as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light soil. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, or plant small plants at the same depth.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only when dry, mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune dead leaves as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage healthy foliage and flowers.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Indian Breadroot's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often cooked or dried before consumption. SKIP
Other uses:Erosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 6 native
Broader regions
native:Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 940854b7-1ad7-470a-bbfc-ee81b0057da4
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