Bristly Ox-Tongue
Picris echioides
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Pl. EA26 — Picris echioides
Picris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioidesPicris echioides
IOverview
Overview
Bristly Ox-Tongue (Picris echioides) is an annual or biennial herb found across a wide range including Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Native to Albania, Algeria, and the Azores among other locations, this plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soil types with a preference for dry to moist conditions. Its leaves are edible and can be used in culinary applications. Bristly Ox-Tongue is characterized by its distinctive bristly texture and small yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. It grows up to 0.9 meters tall and prefers a pH range of 7.5–8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions while contributing to local ecosystems and culinary traditions.
Quick answers
What is Bristly Ox-Tongue?
Bristly Ox-Tongue (Picris echioides) is an annual or biennial herb found across a wide range including Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Native to Albania, Algeria, and the Azores among other locations, this plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soil types with a preference for dry to moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bristly Ox-Tongue thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH of 7.5–8. It is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist conditions, making it adaptable for various garden settings. This plant requires full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 0.9 meters tall. Propagate through seeds, as it is an annual or biennial. Hardy in zones 5-9, Bristly Ox-Tongue is best suited for temperate regions. Its edible leaves are a valuable addition to the gardener's palette.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Bristly Ox-Tongue for the first time
8steps
Start with Bristly Ox-Tongue as a simple annual or biennial in your garden, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Bristly Ox-Tongue in spring after the last frost or as a fall sowing for overwintering.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil, either in the ground or a pot. Ensure the soil is light to medium, not too heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep and about 12-18 inches apart. Transplant young plants with care to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the newly planted Bristly Ox-Tongue regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering during dry spells and mulch to retain moisture. Remove any weeds that compete with your plant.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter before new growth starts, and cut back the entire plant after flowering to encourage a second flush of foliage.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to remove weeds.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Bristly Ox-Tongue are edible and can be consumed fresh or cooked. They are typically prepared by boiling or steaming to enhance their flavor and texture. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaBelarusBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqPalestine
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaCabo VerdeEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · ea26640a-1ccb-447d-8c92-17e6ddcf7371
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