Papposa Viper's Grass (Scorzonera papposa)

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

Scorzonera papposa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. Young leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. Flowers - raw. — Young leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Limestone screes and slopes, fields, 300 - 1800 metres in Turkey. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)