Chondrilla juncea
Chondrilla juncea
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. E391 — Chondrilla juncea
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IOverview
Overview
Chondrilla juncea, commonly known as Stinkgrass or Golden-spike, is a biennial or perennial forb/herb that thrives in light (sandy) and medium soils with a pH of 7–7.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, and other parts of Europe and Asia, this plant has been cultivated for its edible leaves. It is also known for its ornamental value due to its distinctive appearance and growth habit. One notable feature of Chondrilla juncea is its strong, unpleasant odor, which contributes to its common name "Stinkgrass." Another distinguishing characteristic is its height, reaching up to 1 meter in stature.
Quick answers
What is Chondrilla juncea?
Chondrilla juncea, commonly known as Stinkgrass or Golden-spike, is a biennial or perennial forb/herb that thrives in light (sandy) and medium soils with a pH of 7–7.5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chondrilla juncea thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7-7.5 and prefers dry to moist conditions. It is hardy in temperate regions but can be found growing wild across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This forb/herb reaches heights of up to 1 meter and requires full sun to partial shade. For cultivation, focus on well-draining soil and regular watering during dry periods. Leaves are edible and can be harvested throughout the growing season. Propagate via seed sowing in spring or division in early spring for perennial varieties.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Chondrilla juncea for the first time
8steps
Start with Chondrilla juncea as a simple, low-maintenance plant for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall blooms.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy) to medium.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, ensuring good drainage.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering during dry spells. Deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent blooms to maintain plant health and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Chondrilla juncea are edible and can be consumed fresh or dried. Typically, they are used in salads raw for their slightly bitter taste or added to soups and stews after being cooked. The plant thrives in light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AlbaniaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia4 regions
native (4)AfghanistanIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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