Bristly Ox-Tongue
Helminthotheca echioides

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb which grows over 1 or 2 years. It has spreading stems and irregular branching. The plant is covered with bristly hairs. These are fattened at their bases. There are hooked prickles at the tips of the leaves. The lower leaves are sword shaped and can have a few teeth. They narrow into the leaf stalk. The upper leaves are smaller and do not have leaf stalks. They clasp the stem at the base. The flower heads often occur singly. The flowers are yellow.

There are about 45 Picris species.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows in grassy and waste places. It can grow in brackish marshes. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Chile, Crete, Croatia, Easter Island, Egypt, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Mediterranean (country/location of origin), Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Russia, Sicily, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Syria, Tasmania, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The root has been eaten as a famine food. The young plant has been used as a potherb. They are added to soups. They are also eaten raw seasoned with oil and salt.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amerueghe, Asparedda, Buglosa, Carraja, Hoidomourida, Hrastej, Ilengua de bou, Krastavac, Pazija, Pega pega, Picris, Rastej, Remiendo, Siropica, Spurraine

Synonyms

Crepis echioides (L.) All.; Helminthia echioides (L.) Gaertner; Picris echioides L.; and others