Shepherd's needle
Scandix pecten-veneris
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
A short annual herb. The leaves are divided 2-3 times with leaflets along the stalks. The lobes are narrow and have teeth. The flowers are in white umbels opposite the leaves. They have 1-3 rays. Some petals of the outer flowers are usually larger. They can be 2-3 mm long. The fruit is 20-80 mm long and erect with a long beak.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It occurs in fallow and waste land. It can grow in arid places. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Canary Islands, Central Asia, Chile, Crete, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South America, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten as a green vegetable. They are also used in vegetable pies. They are used as a flavouring.
Edible parts
Leaves, spice
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ahartzikas, Alfileres, Bhuss, Darzila, Euzanak, Giyadarzila, Hatzikas, Hefraf, Hifraf, Indu saag, Kiskis, Mochita, Scandix, Skanthrix, Sujinok, Surik, Venus comb, Wild chervil