Slender Scurfy Pea
Psoralea tenuiflorafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 9FF7 — Psoralea tenuiflora
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IOverview
Overview
Slender Scurfy Pea (Psoralea tenuiflora) is a perennial plant native to the central and western United States as well as parts of northeastern and northwestern Mexico. It thrives in full sun and can be found growing in various soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Known for its edible roots, this plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities, adding a touch of beauty to landscapes with its distinctive form. Found in states like Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, and parts of Mexico, Slender Scurfy Pea prefers dry to moist conditions and reaches heights of about 1 meter.
Quick answers
What is Slender Scurfy Pea?
Slender Scurfy Pea (Psoralea tenuiflora) is a perennial plant native to the central and western United States as well as parts of northeastern and northwestern Mexico. It thrives in full sun and can be found growing in various soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Slender Scurfy Pea is a perennial that thrives in full sun and can grow up to 1 meter tall. It prefers well-draining soil but will tolerate light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) conditions. This plant is adaptable to dry to moist environments. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains neither too wet nor too dry. Hardy in temperate regions, it grows naturally in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, parts of Mexico, Minnesota, and other states like Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. Propagate via seeds or root cuttings. The edible parts are the roots.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Slender Scurfy Pea for the first time
8steps
Start with Slender Scurfy Pea as a simple perennial in your garden for its easy care and light requirements.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring after the last frost, or transplant young plants in early summer.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare soil that is well-draining, either light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the roots, but ensure the soil is not bone dry. Keep an eye out for pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only if the soil becomes very dry and mulch around the plant to retain moisture. Prune dead or damaged parts as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune dead material.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The slender scurfy pea's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is commonly used raw or cooked, adding a unique flavor to dishes. Skip the drying process for best results.
Other uses:Erosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 18 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, 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 (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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