Bird spiderflower
Cleome ornithopodioidesfam. Scrophulariaceae
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. 98BF — Cleome ornithopodioides
Cleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioidesCleome ornithopodioides
IOverview
Overview
Bird spiderflower (Cleome ornithopodioides) is an annual forb or herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, East Aegean Islands, Greece, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and light to medium soil types. Standing at about 0.3 meters tall, it is known for its edible seeds, which can be harvested for culinary use. One distinctive feature of the bird spiderflower is its adaptability to various habitats within its native range, making it a resilient species in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Bird spiderflower?
Bird spiderflower (Cleome ornithopodioides) is an annual forb or herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, East Aegean Islands, Greece, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and light to medium soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bird spiderflower thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that can be either light (sandy) or medium. It is drought-tolerant but will produce better with moist conditions. This annual plant grows to about 0.3 meters tall and is native to regions like Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. For cultivation, sow seeds directly in the garden once all danger of frost has passed. The plant is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection in colder areas.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bird spiderflower for the first time
8steps
Start with Bird spiderflower as an easy-to-grow annual for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct planting area, garden tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light, sandy to medium soil. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden or start them indoors 4 weeks before planting out. Space plants about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants lightly in midsummer to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting deadheading.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 4 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 8 native· 4 introduced
Europe4 regions
native (4)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusGreece
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is.
introduced:Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Scrophulariaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Scrophulariaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 98bf2e71-155b-4c68-82d9-038fd8e84dc4
Decision aid
Choosing between Bird spiderflower and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.