Skip to content

Prairie Turnip

Psoralea esculenta

The flower of the prairie turnip. Photo taken in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The leaves, flower, and tubers of Psoralea Esculenta also known as Pediomelum esculentum and the Prairie Turnip

Pediomelum esculentum, synonym Psoralea esculenta, common name prairie turnip or timpsila, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to prairies and dry woodlands of central North America, which bears a starchy tuberous root edible as a root vegetable. English names for the plant include tipsin, teepsenee, breadroot, breadroot scurf pea, large Indian breadroot, prairie potato and pomme blanche. The prairie turnip continues to be a staple food of the Plains Indians.

Quick Facts
Scientific name Psoralea esculenta
Family Fabaceae
Height 1-2 ft
Bloom time May-Jun
Sun Full sun
Moisture Dry
Soil Sand, loam
Wildlife value Nitrogen fixer; starchy root was a staple food for Dakota and other Plains peoples

Mentioned In

Image Credits

  • Rheanna Kautzman (Public domain)
  • Unknown authorUnknown author (Public domain)

Learn More