False hawkbit, Sow thistle
Urospermum picroides

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A low herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60 cm tall. The leaves at the base are divided into lobes along the stalk. The lobes point backwards. The leaves on the stem are oval or sword shaped. They clasp the stem and the upper leaves are opposite. The flower bracts are oval or sword shaped and often have a dark violet edge. They have long points and bristly hairs. The flower heads are pale yellow. The achenes are 11-15 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows on fallow land and waste ground. It grows in warm temperate places. It can grow in dry soil. It can grow in arid places. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azores, Balkans, Bosnia, Caucasus, Chile, Crete, Croatia, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Portugal, Sicily, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten. They are used in soups and stews. They are also used with other greens in a vegetable pie. The stems are eaten raw as a snack.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cardiddazza spinusa, Cerrajon, Coleta, Cristalle, Fogghje di vacca, Garlupa, Helvacik, Iaddina grass, Lattuquedde, Korkolekanida, Plestina, Plesti guzica, Srhkodlakava repatka, Zochos, Zuccho

Synonyms

Amopogon picroides (L.) Willd.; Tragopogon asper L.; and others