Large-flowered Golden thistle
Scolymus grandiflorus
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb with spiny leaves, stems and flower bases. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems have wings and are spiny. It grows 30-100 cm high. It has a deep taproot. The roots resemble parsnips. They are long and taper and are 8 cm thick. The leaves are rigid, spiny and with deep teeth. The leaves have pale coloured veins. The flowers are bright yellow. They occur singly at the ends of branches or in the axils of upper leaves. The flower bracts are very hairy. They are oval and end abruptly in a spine.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean plant. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Egypt, Europe, France, Italy, Malta, Mediterranean, North Africa, Sicily, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The stalks are eaten raw or boiled. The leaves are boiled and seasoned with oil and lemon. They are also added to scrambled eggs and omelettes.
Edible parts
Leaves, rhizomes, root, stalks
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Scoddi, Zarniz