Scorzonera
Scorzonera hispanica
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Scorzonera hispanica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Cultivated ground, rocks and bushy places.
S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Root - cooked. A sweet agreeable flavour. The root is usually eaten at the end of its first year of growth, but it can be grown on for a second year without becoming tough. The root is rich in inulin - this is a starch that is not easily digested by humans and so generally passes straight through the digestive system and is excreted. Inulin can cause flatulence in some people. Leaves - raw. The tender young shoots are usually eaten in early spring. Flower buds - raw. Added to salads. The petals have their own distinctive flavour and can also be added to salads. The roasted root is used as a coffee substitute.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
The growing plant is said to repel carrot root fly from carrots growing nearby.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any soil in sun or light shade. Prefers a light soil. Occasionally cultivated for its edible root, there are some named varieties. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is a tap root similar to a carrot going directly down.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. If the weather is dry, it will be advisable to water the seed in well or germination will be delayed. The seed can also be sown in situ in August. Division in autumn or as growth commences in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist