Small Indian Breadroot
Psoralea hypogaea
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Pl. 01B9 — Psoralea hypogaea
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IOverview
Overview
Small Indian Breadroot (Psoralea hypogaea) is a perennial herb native to the central and western United States, including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist soil types, from light sandy to medium conditions. It can be found growing up to 0.1 meters tall. Known for its edible root, Small Indian Breadroot is both a culinary and medicinal plant valued by various cultures. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in a variety of habitats across its native range, making it adaptable and resilient.
Quick answers
What is Small Indian Breadroot?
Small Indian Breadroot (Psoralea hypogaea) is a perennial herb native to the central and western United States, including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist soil types, from light sandy to medium conditions.
What is Small Indian Breadroot used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Small Indian Breadroot
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Psoralea species, including P. hypogaea, have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for immune support and to enhance resistance against external pathogens.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve the modulation of immune cells and cytokine production through bioactive compounds such as psoralen and isopsoralen.
- Psoralea species have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for topical applications to support skin health, particularly for conditions like psoriasis.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve the activation of melanocytes and keratinocytes through compounds such as psoralen and its derivatives.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Small Indian Breadroot support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Small Indian Breadroot thrives in full sun and prefers either dry or moist soil conditions. It grows best in light (sandy) to medium soil types and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial plant reaches a height of about 0.1 meters and can be propagated through root division. Harvest the edible roots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Small Indian Breadroot for the first time
8steps
Start with Small Indian Breadroot as a simple perennial herb, focusing on basic care and observation.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plot of well-draining soil or a container pot, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy) to medium with good drainage. Containers should be at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.3-0.6 cm deep, or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and minimal watering to avoid overwatering. Mulch lightly if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth, but wait for the plant's natural cycle before harvesting roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting sun exposure, and not providing enough drainage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Small Indian Breadroot's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used raw or cooked, though specific cooking methods are not detailed. The root can also be dried for later use. Skip the preparation details as they were not provided.
Other uses:Erosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 8 native
Broader regions
native:Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming
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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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