Bristly Ox-Tongue
Picris echioides

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Picris echioides is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.9

Where it is found

Roadsides, hedgebanks, field margins and waste places, usually on stiff and calcareous soils.

S. Europe. Possibly native but certainly established in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Not wonderful raw, the leaves are slightly better cooked. A rather bitter flavour.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils. Dislikes shade. Wild plants are an indicator of calcareous soils. Seed is often produced apomictically. Any seedlings from this seed will be genetically identical to the parent plant.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ, only just covering the seed. Germination should take place quite quickly.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Hedgerow;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Helmintia echioides.