Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, shrublands. Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, May 7, 2009.

These Peas spread by root sprouting over large areas.  They cling close to the ground and require a close look to examine their beautiful white and blue flowers.

The name comes from the Greek "pedion" and "mylon", "flatland apple".  The French called this plant "Pomme de Prairie", "Prairie Apple".  The plant was first collected for science by Charles baker near Aztec, New Mexico probably around 1900 and it was first named Psoralea megalantha by Wooten and Standley.  Rydberg renamed it Pediomelum megalanthum.

Pediomelum megalanthum  (Indian Breadroot)
Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, shrublands. Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, May 7, 2009.

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, shrublands. Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 23, 2009.

Pediomelum megalanthum  (Indian Breadroot)
Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, shrublands. Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 23, 2009.

Hairs abound on the forming flower bud.

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, shrublands. Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 23, 2009.

Pediomelum megalanthum  (Indian Breadroot)
Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Semi-desert, foothills. Openings, shrublands. Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 23, 2009.