California Indian breadroot (Psoralea californica)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Psoralea californica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - raw or cooked. The root can also be dried and ground into a powder then used in soups or with cereals for making bread etc. — Root - raw or cooked.; The root can also be dried and ground into a powder then used in soups or with cereals for making bread etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry slopes, 500 - 1600 metres in California. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)