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Psoralea macrostachya - DC.

Common Name Large Leather Root
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards This species contains furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people[65].
Habitats Moist places[71], especially along the borders of streams[95] and salt marshes[200].
Range South-western N. America - California.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Psoralea macrostachya Large Leather Root


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoita_macrostachya_%28PSoralea_macrostachya%29_Edwards%27s_Bot._Reg._21.1769.1836.jpg
Psoralea macrostachya Large Leather Root
G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Psoralea macrostachya is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to August. 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 and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Hoita macrostachya. (DC.)rydb.

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - raw, cooked or dried for winter use. Starchy[105, 177].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Salve

The plant has been used in the treatment of ulcers and sores[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Fibre

A fibre is obtained from the inner bark of the stem[95]. Very fine and strong, it can be used as a thread and for sewing.[61]. A fibre is obtained from the root[46]. Very tough[200], it is used to make ropes and bags[257]. Aromatic, the perfume persisting for several months[95]. A yellow dye is obtained from the roots[257].

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1]. Intolerant of root disturbance[200]. This is not the case, we have successfully transplanted plants that were three years old[K]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early to mid spring in a greenhouse. Either sow the seed in individual pots or pot up the young seedlings as soon as possible in order to avoid root disturbance. Grow them on in the pots until planting out in their final positions. It is usually impossible to transplant this species without fatal damage to the root[200]. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (California, Baja (north))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Psoralea argophyllaSilverleaf Scurf PeaPerennial0.6 0-0  LMHNDM212
Psoralea californicaCalifornia Indian breadrootPerennial0.2 0-0  LMHNDM202
Psoralea canescensBuckrootPerennial0.0 -  LMNDM212
Psoralea castoreaBeaver Indian breadrootPerennial0.1 0-0  LMNDM402
Psoralea corylifoliaBu Gu ZhiAnnual0.6 -  LMHNM14 
Psoralea cuspidataIndian Breadroot, Largebract Indian breadrootPerennial0.6 0-0  LMNDM202
Psoralea esculentaBreadroot, Large Indian breadrootPerennial0.3 4-8  LMHNDM513
Psoralea glandulosaCulenShrub3.0 8-11  LMHNM31 
Psoralea hypogaeaSmall Indian BreadrootPerennial0.1 4-8  LMNDM402
Psoralea lanceolataLemon scurfpeaPerennial0.6 0-0  LMNDM202
Psoralea mephitica Perennial0.0 -  LMHNDM202
Psoralea orbicularisRoundleaf Leather RootPerennial0.1 5-9  LMHNDM112
Psoralea pedunculataSampson's SnakerootPerennial1.0 -  LMHNDM01 
Psoralea subacaulisWhiterim scurfpeaPerennial0.2 0-0  LMHNDM202
Psoralea tenuifloraSlender Scurfy Pea, Slimflower scurfpeaPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM202

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

DC.

Botanical References

71200

Links / References

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