Scurfy Pea (Psoralea tenuiflora): Prairie Legume with Delicate Flowers

Botanical Profile

Family: Papilionaceae (pa-pil-ee-uh-NAY-see-ee)
Genus: Psoralea (sor-RAY-lee-uh)
Species: tenuiflora (ten-yoo-ee-FLOR-uh)

Description

Scurfy pea is a perennial herb native to prairies and open woods of the central U.S., growing 1–3 feet tall. The stems are covered in small, glandular dots (scurfy). The leaves are palmately compound with 3–5 narrow leaflets. In early to mid-summer, it produces loose racemes of small, white to pale lavender pea flowers. The fruit is a small, one-seeded pod.

Habitat & Ecology

Found in dry to mesic prairies, glades, and savannas. A conservative species indicating high-quality native grassland. Fixes nitrogen. Attracts native bees and butterflies. Seeds eaten by wildlife.

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and well-drained, calcareous soil. Deep taproot makes it drought tolerant but difficult to transplant. Sow seeds in fall or cold-stratify for spring planting. Best established in situ. Not commonly cultivated; valuable for prairie restoration and native plant collections.