French Scorzonera
Reichardia picroides
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Pl. 7BCB — Reichardia picroides
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IOverview
Overview
French Scorzonera (Reichardia picroides) is a perennial herb native to regions in southern Europe and North Africa. Known for its edible root and leaves, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH between 7.5 and 8. It can be found growing wild in Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. One distinctive feature of French Scorzonera is its light, airy habit, reaching a height of about 0.5 meters. Its adaptability to various habitats makes it a valuable addition to gardens where it can serve both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Quick answers
What is French Scorzonera?
French Scorzonera (Reichardia picroides) is a perennial herb native to regions in southern Europe and North Africa. Known for its edible root and leaves, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH between 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
French Scorzonera thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers a pH of 7.5–8 and is hardy in temperate regions, though it can survive in zones 7-10. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. French Scorzonera grows up to 0.5 meters tall and produces edible leaves and roots, making it a valuable addition to your garden for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow French Scorzonera for the first time
8steps
Start with French Scorzonera as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the pH is between 7.5–8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The French Scorzonera is eaten both for its leaves and roots. The roots are typically prepared by either boiling or roasting before consumption. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 4 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 23 native· 4 introduced
Europe9 regions
native (8)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (1)Portugal
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Turkey-in-Europe, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Gulf States, Western Australia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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