Beaver Indian breadroot (Psoralea castorea)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Psoralea castorea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - raw or cooked. A good size. 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

Sandy flats and washes, 500 - 900 metres in California. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)