Common Breadroot Scurfpea (Psoralea esculenta)

MAY-JUNE

Common Breadroot Scurfpea Psoralea esculenta Pursh (PEA FAMILY)

Common breadroot scurfpea is an erect perennial 6-12 in. tall arising from a tuberous root; it is pilose throughout. The alternate leaves are digitately compound with 5 oblong to narrowly obovate leaflets. The inflorescence is a dense spike of blue pea flowers sometimes tinged white. The fruit is a small hairy legume. The starchy root of this plant has been called Indian turnip because of its taste and use as food. The root may be cooked or eaten raw.