Hawkweed Picris, Hawkweed oxtongue
Picris hieracioides

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It can grow for 2 or for several years. It grows 60-90 cm tall. The leaves are divided or have large teeth. They are bristly on the veins underneath. The leaves near the base are fattened sword shaped and 7-20 cm long. They narrow at the base to a short leaf stalk. The leaves higher up clasp the stem. The flower is bright yellow. Possibly now Picris angustifolia

There are about 45 Picris species. The plant listed in Tasmania by Curtis is Picris angustifolia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in grassy habitats and scrub. In China it is on sandy soils between 200-3,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andorra, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Czech Republic, Europe, France, Greece, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, North America, Pacific, Russia, SE Asia, Sicily, Slovenia, South Africa, Tasmania, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The root is used as a famine food. The leaves are used in vegetable soup. The young leaves and stems are eaten in salads. The fruit are eaten raw.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Root, leaves, stems, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cicore ciucci, Darnitch, Horeil jestrabnikovity, Jia luo bing bing, Kumaicai, Ox-Tongue, Radicchio peloso, Spurraine

Synonyms

Picris hieracioides L. var. japonica Regel; Picris japonica Auctt.;