Naked Weed, Rush skeletonweed
Chondrilla juncea
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Chondrilla juncea is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Dry open habitats.
S. and W. Europe, north to N. France.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Libya, Mediterranean, North Africa, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Siberia, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tasmania, Turkey, Ukraine, Yugoslavia.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant mild taste, the leaves are a favoured wild salad in France.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant can be used as a stomachic.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. Judging by its native habitat it probably requires a very well drained light soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a greenhouse and only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The seeds are said to be poisonous.
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but known throughout most temperate regions of the world as an introduced species which is considered a noxious weed. There are several biological control measures used against this plant. The skeletonweed gall midge (Cystiphora schmidti - an insect), the skeletonweed gall mite (Aceria chondrillae - an arachnid), and skeletonweed rust (Puccinia chondrillina - a fungus) all show potential for controlling infestations.
Its other names
Local names
Naked weed, Skeleton weed, gum succory, devil's grass, Ajenjera, Ajinjera, Balaguera, Baleo, Citnik, Karavuk, Su porru, Tavka.