Shepherd's Needle
Scandix pecten-veneris
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. E728 — Scandix pecten-veneris
Scandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-venerisScandix pecten-veneris
IOverview
Overview
Shepherd's Needle (Scandix pecten-veneris) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of Mediterranean and Central Asian regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and many others listed in the data. It thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils, making it adaptable but preferring pH levels between 7.5 and 8. The plant reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and is known for its edible stem, which can be consumed. Its native range includes parts of Europe and North Africa, while it has been introduced to other areas such as the Canary Islands. One distinctive feature of Shepherd's Needle is its light, airy appearance, often resembling a delicate needle-like structure.
Quick answers
What is Shepherd's Needle?
Shepherd's Needle (Scandix pecten-veneris) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of Mediterranean and Central Asian regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and many others listed in the data.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Shepherd's Needle thrives in light to medium soil and prefers moisture-retentive conditions but can tolerate heavier clay soils as well. It requires a sandy or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.5–8 for best growth. This annual plant needs full sun to partial shade and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, sow seeds directly where they will grow after the last frost. Harvest edible stems when needed.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
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 Shepherd's Needle for the first time
8steps
Shepherd's Needle is a straightforward annual herb for beginners, perfect for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots if starting indoors, and a sunny spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or start them indoors and transplant seedlings once they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, ensuring consistent growth during this critical period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering as needed, especially in dry spells. Remove any weeds that compete for nutrients and space.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers to promote more blooms throughout the season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting regular weeding, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Stem
Edible uses: The stem of Shepherd's Needle is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, it is prepared by either adding the tender stems to salads for a crunchy texture or incorporating them into soups and stews for flavor. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalySpainUkraine
Asia6 regions
native (6)AfghanistanChinaIndiaIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEgypt
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Kirgizstan, Sinai, East Aegean Is., Gulf States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · e728c653-4cfb-4533-aee7-028a33e51ff0
Decision aid
Choosing between Shepherd's Needle 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.