Reichardia picroides
(L.) Roth.
French scorzonera
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(c) Σάββας Ζαφειρίου (Savvas Zafeiriou), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Σάββας Ζαφειρίου (Savvas Zafeiriou)
Summary
A perennial growing to 0.5 m tall and 0.3 m wide at a fast rate. Hardy to UK zone 8 and not frost tender. Flowers appear from April to August, with seeds ripening June to September. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by insects. Attracts wildlife. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. Prefers moist soil and can grow in semi-shade or full sun.
Description
A low herb. It can grow as an annual or last for several years. It forms clumps 25 cm wide. The flowering stems can be 80 cm tall. The leaves are oblong. They have teeth or lobes. The leaves near the base have a broad winged stalk. The flower heads are yellow. The rays are yellow at the base. The flower stalk is not thickened towards the top.
Edible Uses
Both the leaves and root are edible raw or cooked. The leaves are mild, pleasant, and slightly sweet with very little fibre, making them an excellent lettuce substitute suitable for use in large quantities in salads. Notably, the older leaves remain just as good — or even better — than younger ones, even when the plant is in flower.
Traditional Uses
The young leaves are used in salads and also in soups. They are also boiled. The roots are also eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows on waste ground. It needs well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 8-9.
Where It Grows
Africa, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Crete, Croatia, Europe, France, Greece, Hawaii, Italy, Libya, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Sicily, Spain, USA,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Propagation
Sow seed from March/April in a warm position outdoors, continuing in succession until autumn if needed. Only just cover the seed; germination is typically fast and reliable. A useful approach is to make a spring sowing under glass, prick out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, then plant out in late spring or early summer. Established plants can self-sow freely in disturbed ground.
Other Uses
French scorzonera works well as a ground cover and can help prevent soil erosion. Its flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators. The seeds are consumed by birds and small mammals, and the leaves may provide food and habitat for various wildlife species. The plant's structure and leaf litter also offer shelter and overwintering sites for beneficial insects and other invertebrates. Special uses include food forest applications.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Caccialepre, Caccialiepru, Caddhazzida, Cosconilla, Cosconilles, Curcita, Escanyavelles, Gaddhazzida, Galatsida, Galazzida, Lattuquedde, Mammalucca, Sassello, Sassaiolo, Sladic
References (28)
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