Harshweed
Centaurea jacea
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stems are erect and have grooves. The leaves at the base are oval and have lobes. They taper to the leaf stalk. There are teeth around the edge. They leaves are arranged in a ring. The stem leaves are sword shaped, hairy and do not have a leaf stalk. The flowers are reddish-purple. They are 20 cm across. They occur singly at the top of the plant.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is best in dry chalky soils. It needs a protected shady position. It is resistant to drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Central Asia, Chile, Europe (country/location of origin), Luxembourg, Slovenia, South America, Tajikistan, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The young leaves are cooked as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Navadni glavinec, Razlicak crveni