Pediomelum

( pee - dee - oh - MEL - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes species known commonly as Indian Breadroot or Prairie Turnip. Species take the form of perennial plants with palmately-arranged green leaves (similar to those of Lupine species) and produce blue to purple flowers. After flowers fade legume pods form, containing bean-like seeds. Some species have woody roots, others have tuber roots that are sometimes cultivated as vegetables. All species are native to North America. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as plant parts of some species are mildly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock.

Pediomelum Species and Varietals

The genus Pediomelum is a member of the plant family Fabaceae, and includes 21 species. The genus is very closely related to Psoralea, and there is some synonymy with species in that genus (see species descriptions below). Pediomelum plants have varying growing zones depending on the species cultivated; for more information, see the individual species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Pediomelum cuspidatum (Psoralea cuspidata) (Buffalo Pea, Largebract Indian Breadroot, Tall-Bread Scurf-Pea)
Native to Texas, this species emerges each springtime to produce seeds, and has edible tuber roots that can reach up to 6 inches long. Inflorescences are light purple-blue, and leaves are green. This species is best in USDA growing zones 4-9.

Pediomelum esculentum (Psoralea esculenta) (Prairie Turnip, Timpsula, Tipsin, Teesenee, Breadroot, Large Indian Breadroot, Prairie Potato, Pomme Blanche)
This species produces edible tuber roots that are harvested in May through July. The harvested tubers have a hard, dark skin and are peeled before use, and are typically used dried. Best in USDA growing zones 3 to 7.

Pediomelum hypogaeum (Psoralea hypogaea) (Subterranean Indian Breadroot, Little Indian Breadroot)
Native to Texas, this species forms edible tuberous roots that are just 3 inches long. Plants have palmately divided green leaves, and bear purple flowers that are lemon-scented. Flowers are pink-purple, and bloom on packed inflorescences in spring and summertime. Little Indian Breadroot is best in USDA growing zones 4 through 8.

Caring for Pediomelum

Plant your Pediomelum in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they like to get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for best harvests and overall plant health. They do well when direct-sown; they form a taproot that does not like to be disturbed. Space plants about a foot apart for best coverage and airflow. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water newly planted tubers regularly, soaking the soil all the way twice a week. At maturity, deep water once a week. Fertilizing and pruning are unecessary.

Harvesting Pediomelum
Pediomelum, also called Indian Breadroot or Prairie Turnip, plants are sometimes cultivated for their edible tuberous root, which historically served as a staple food for early European settlers in North America. It is still an important food source for many Native American populations today. The root is said to have a flavor that is starchy, nutty, and mildly sweet, similar to a Potato or Turnip. The roots are ready for harvesting in the middle of June in most areas, when the tubers are about the size of a chicken egg. Carefully dig around the exterior of the plant, using a trowel or garden fork to gently lift. Once plants are loosened, they may be able to be pulled up by their foliage. Handle tubers gently to avoid bruising, and remove a majority of the dirt and debris. Tubers need to be dried; Lay them out in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for between 1 and 2 weeks' time. This will allow skins to toughen in preparation for storage. They are commonly braided, similarly to Garlic, and can be hung to dry, as well. The roots are tender, and can be used raw, as a thickener for soups, ground into flour, or cooked as a root vegetable.

Propagation

Pediomelum, or Indian Breadroot, can be propagated by division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Indian Breadroot, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Pediomelum by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded and look like pea pods. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Pediomelum seeds will need a period of cold-stratification in order to germinate. To complete this process, first place seeds in a bag or other sealable container filled with moistened sand or peat moss. Then, place the container in the refrigerator (or similarly cool, dark space) for 2-3 months. The ideal temperature for cold-stratification is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. After this period has passed, remove seeds from the container to sow them.
Direct-sow Pediomelum seeds in the garden once soil temperatures have reached above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Propagating Pediomelum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, and compost. Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth). To propagate your Pediomelum plant by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the tuber root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Brush off any dirt or debris, and remove tubers from their connection to the root system using clean, sharpened shears or snips.
Prepare your planting site with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.