Prickly scorpion's-tail
Scorpiurus muricatus
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Pl. C471 — Scorpiurus muricatus
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IOverview
Overview
Prickly scorpion's-tail (Scorpiurus muricatus) is a light-loving annual herb that thrives in various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and the Canary Islands, this plant is known for its edible seedpods and can be found growing in both dry and moist conditions. Its distinctive feature lies in its spiky appearance, which gives it a unique presence among other plants. This hardy herb can reach heights of 0.5 meters and is adaptable to full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Prickly scorpion's-tail?
Prickly scorpion's-tail (Scorpiurus muricatus) is a light-loving annual herb that thrives in various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Prickly scorpion's-tail thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought tolerant but will produce better with moist conditions. This annual plant grows up to 0.5 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Harvest edible parts from seedpods as needed.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Prickly scorpion's-tail for the first time
8steps
Start with Prickly scorpion's-tail as an easy-to-grow herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Prickly scorpion's-tail seeds, a small pot or garden bed, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm and there’s no risk of frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Space plants about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this plant prefers dry conditions.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and water only when the soil is very dry. Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding. Remove any yellowing foliage as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, and not providing enough space between plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seedpod
Edible uses: The seedpods of the Prickly scorpion's-tail are edible and can be consumed raw or dried. They are often used in traditional dishes to add a unique flavor. Skip the cooking instructions as they were not provided.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)BulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpainUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqTurkey
Africa7 regions
native (7)AlgeriaEgyptEritreaEthiopiaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Sinai, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is., Gulf States, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · c471036b-3a70-4dd4-846d-30735e955ee2
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