Psoralea canescens
Buckroot

Uses

Toxic parts

Although no specific mention of toxicity for this species has been found, at least some members of this genus contain furanocoumarins, these substances can cause photosensitivity in some people^[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Root - raw or cooked^[2]^[3]^[4]. The root can also be dried and ground into a powder then used in soups or mixed with cereals for making bread etc^[4].

Root

Unknown use

Material uses

Valuable under natural conditions as a soil stabilizer^[5].

There are no material uses listed for Psoralea canescens.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

A poultice of the wet, warmed root has been used as an analgesic dressing on painful areas of the body^[6]. An infusion of the roots has been used as a herbal steam in the treatment of runny noses, stuffy heads, coughs and sore throats^[6].

Unknown part

Analgesic

Miscellany

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Earth stabiliser

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

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^[5]. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully^[5].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Psoralea canescens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

Cultivation

We have very little information for this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil^[7]. Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position^[5]. Plants are very intolerant of root disturbance, they are best planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small^[5].

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^[5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Psoralea canescens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Psoralea canescens.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies