French scorzonera
Reichardia picroides

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A low herb. It can grow as an annual or last for several years. It forms clumps 25 cm wide. The flowering stems can be 80 cm tall. The leaves are oblong. They have teeth or lobes. The leaves near the base have a broad winged stalk. The flower heads are yellow. The rays are yellow at the base. The flower stalk is not thickened towards the top.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows on waste ground. It needs well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 8-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Crete, Croatia, Europe, France, Greece, Hawaii, Italy, Libya, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Sicily, Spain, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are used in salads and also in soups. They are also boiled. The roots are also eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Caccialepre, Caccialiepru, Caddhazzida, Cosconilla, Cosconilles, Curcita, Escanyavelles, Gaddhazzida, Galatsida, Galazzida, Lattuquedde, Mammalucca, Sassello, Sassaiolo, Sladic

Synonyms

Hypochaeris hirta Ucria; Picridium crassifolium Willk.; Picridium vulgare Desf.; Reichardia integrifolia Moench; and several others