Hawkweed Ox-Tongue
Picris hieracioides
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Picris hieracioides is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July 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 and prefers well-drained 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
Grassland and waysides on calcareous soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, the Balkans, W. and C. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked as a pot-herb. Not wonderful raw, they are slightly better cooked. A rather bitter flavour.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The bitter leaves have been used as a febrifuge. The plant is mixed with Swertia pedicellata and pounded to a paste thn applied to the forehead to treat headaches.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Prefers a dryish soil but 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: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist