Field eryngo, Snakeroot
Eryngium campestre
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
A short perennial herb. The leaves at the base are leathery. They are oval and have 3 lobes. They have spiny teeth. The stalks do not have wings. The leaves on the stems do not have stalks. They clasp the stem. The flowers are pale greenish-white or greenish yellow. They are in rounded or spreading heads. They are 10-15 mm across. There are 6-7 bracts. These are sword shaped and 15-45 mm long.
There are 230 Eryngium species. It is used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows in dry habitats. It is often on stony ground and in the Mediterranean can be on the coast or inland.
Countries/locations it is found in
Albania, Andorra, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Croatia, Europe, France, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Libya, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Portugal, Sicily, Slovenia, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
Young shoots are used as a substitute for asparagus. They are also used in soups. The roots can be candied and eaten. They are also cooked as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bikacsipke, Bikacsoke, Boga dikeni, Cardidda, Cardo corredor, Cardocuca, Csipke, Kotrljan obicni, Macskatovis, Panical, Panicauru, Poljska možina, Seker dikeni, Szehajtitovis