Bristly Ox-Tongue (Picris echioides)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Picris echioides is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion). The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Not wonderful raw, the leaves are slightly better cooked. A rather bitter flavour. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; Not wonderful raw, the leaves are slightly better cooked.; A rather bitter flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Roadsides, hedgebanks, field margins and waste places, usually on stiff and calcareous soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)