Practical
Plants

Scorzonera hispanica

Scorzonera

a perennial member of the Scorzonera genus in the family Compositae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
1 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Root - cooked[5][7][8][9][2]. A sweet agreeable flavour[1]. The root is usually eaten at the end of its first year of growth, but it can be grown on for a second year without becoming tough[6]. The root is rich in inulin[10] - this is a starch that is not easily digested by humans and so generally passes straight through the digestive system and is excreted. Inulin can cause flatulence in some people[K]. Leaves - raw[7][8][12]. The tender young shoots are usually eaten in early spring[4]. Flower buds - raw[13]. Added to salads[4]. The petals have their own distinctive flavour and can also be added to salads[4]. The roasted root is used as a coffee substitute[4].

Product or use
Coffee
Plant part
Flowers
Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Root

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The growing plant is said to repel carrot root fly from carrots growing nearby[3].

Product or use
Repellent

Environment

Range
S. Europe.
Habitat
Cultivated ground, rocks and bushy places[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in situ. If the weather is dry, it will be advisable to water the seed in well or germination will be delayed. The seed can also be sown in situ in August. Division in autumn or as growth commences in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in any soil in sun or light shade[6]. Prefers a light soil[9]. Occasionally cultivated for its edible root, there are some named varieties[4].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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  3. Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979-00-00

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  4. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  5. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  7. Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8

    ↩1↩2

  8. Organ. J. Rare Vegetables for Garden and Table. Faber 1960-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  9. Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  10. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

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  11. ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00

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  12. Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn 1980-00-00

    ↩

  13. Schery. R. W. Plants for Man.

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