Crepis sancta

(L.) Babcok

Sacred hawksbeard

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves 3,879 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

An annual herb with hermaphrodite flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A short annual herb. The stems are branched from the base. The leaves are oblong and divided into leaflets along the stalk. There are few leaves on the stem. The flower heads are large. They are 15-20 mm long. The flower bracts are hairy. The outer bracts have a pale edge.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten raw and are mild and agreeable, making them a pleasant addition to salads.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used in salads and soups. They are usually boiled.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in field, grassy places and in heath.

Where It Grows

Asia, Balkans, Bosnia, Croatia, Europe, India, Italy, Mediterranean, Turkey, Türkiye, Yugoslavia,

Propagation

Sow seed in situ either as soon as it is ripe in late summer or in spring.

Other Uses

None known

Synonyms

Lagoseris sancta

Also Known As

Dimovac, Radicchiella, Radicchio di campo

References (9)

Biscotti, N. et al, 2018, The traditional food use of wild vegetables in Apulia (Italy) in the light of Italian ethnobotanical literature. Italian Botanist 5:1-24
Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 465
Ertug, F, Yenen Bitkiler. Resimli Türkiye Florası -I- Flora of Turkey - Ethnobotany supplement
Luczaj et al, 2013, Wild vegetable mixes sold in the markets of Dalmatia (southern Croatia). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 8:2
Luczaj, L. et al, 2013, Wild food plants used in the villages of the Lake Vrana Nature Park (northern Dalmatia, Croatia). Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae, 82(4): 275-281

Show all 9 references

Luczaj, L. et al, 2014, Wild Food Plants of Dalmatia (Croatia). in A. Pieroni, C. L. Quave (eds.), Ethnobotany and Biocultural Diversities in the Balkans, p 142
Pieroni, A., 1999, Gathered wild food plants in the Upper Valley of the Serchio River (Garfagnana), Central Italy. Economic Botany 53(3) pp 327-341
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Sansanelli, S., et al, 2014, Wild food plants traditionall consumed in the area of Bologna (Emilia Romagna region, Italy). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 10:69