French Scorzonera (Reichardia picroides)

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

Reichardia picroides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to August, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Mild and good. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A pleasant agreeable flavour with a slight sweetness and very little fibre, it makes a very acceptable lettuce substitute and we use it in large quantities in salads.; The older leaves seem to be even nicer, even when the plant is in flower.; Root - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Cultivated soil and waste places. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)