Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 1C72edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read

Fedia cornucopiae

Fedia cornucopiae
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 →
edibleannualannualedibleedible leafherb
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Fedia cornucopiae (Fedia cornucopiae) — botanical photograph
Pl. 1C72 — Fedia cornucopiae
Fedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiaeFedia cornucopiae
I

Overview

Fedia cornucopiae, native to the Mediterranean regions of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, is an annual plant belonging to the Valerianaceae family. This adaptable species thrives in full sun and can grow in a variety of soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—making it suitable for diverse growing conditions that range from dry to moist environments. Reaching a height of approximately 0.2 meters, Fedia cornucopiae is known for its edible leaves, which are commonly used raw in salads or cooked in stews and soups, adding a mild flavor to local dishes. The plant's ability to grow in various soil types and its preference for full sun exposure make it an interesting choice for gardeners looking to add a hardy and versatile species to their collections. While primarily valued for its culinary uses, Fedia cornucopiae also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens due to its adaptability and resilience. However, caution is advised when handling the plant, as no medicinal properties are noted in the provided data.

Quick answers

What is Fedia cornucopiae?

Fedia cornucopiae, native to the Mediterranean regions of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, is an annual plant belonging to the Valerianaceae family.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Fedia cornucopiae thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. It prefers a dry to moist environment and grows to about 0.2 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives ample sunlight and can tolerate varying moisture levels. Propagation is best done through seeds, as Fedia cornucopiae is an annual. Harvest its edible leaves for use in your dishes. Note that hardiness information isn't provided, so it's recommended to grow this plant in temperate regions where it can adapt well.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Fedia cornucopiae for the first time

8steps

This guide will help you start growing Fedia cornucopiae with simple, beginner-friendly steps.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings of Fedia cornucopiae, a small pot or garden space, and basic gardening tools like a trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the last frost has passed, ensuring warm soil temperatures.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Prepare well-draining soil with a mix of light sand, medium loam, and heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors 4 weeks before planting outdoors.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water sparingly but ensure soil is not bone dry, and place plants in a sunny spot to acclimate.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Fedia cornucopiae prefers full sun. Water only when the soil feels very dry, and avoid overwatering.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune leaves as needed for shape maintenance or harvest them for culinary use after the plant is established.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, using poor drainage soil, and neglecting to prune regularly.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Fedia cornucopiae are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are commonly used in local dishes, adding a mild flavor to salads or as a green in stews and soups.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 3 native
Europe2 regions
native (2)PortugalSpain
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Fedia cornucopiae (Fedia cornucopiae) — botanical photograph
Fedia cornucopiae (Fedia cornucopiae)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1c7231ad-9bd3-4d02-861e-d56db6bfbff9
Decision aid
Choosing between Fedia cornucopiae and something else?
Compare with another plant

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.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes