Scorzonera mollis
Scorzonera mollis
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Pl. D837 — Scorzonera mollis
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IOverview
Overview
Scorzonera mollis, a perennial plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, is native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Known for its edible parts—roots, leaves, and flowers—it thrives in light, full sun conditions with adaptable soil types ranging from sandy to clay. This plant can be found growing in dry to moist environments across a hardiness zone of 5-9. Standing at about 0.3 meters tall, Scorzonera mollis is distinguished by its ability to flourish in various habitats and soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to gardens or landscapes where space is limited.
Quick answers
What is Scorzonera mollis?
Scorzonera mollis, a perennial plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, is native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Known for its edible parts—roots, leaves, and flowers—it thrives in light, full sun conditions with adaptable soil types ranging from sandy to clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Scorzonera mollis thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. The plant is hardy in zones 5-9 and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. For cultivation, it's best to propagate through seeds or division. Edible parts include the flowers, leaves, and roots, making this a versatile addition to your garden for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Scorzonera mollis for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil preparation and basic care for Scorzonera mollis.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, compost, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall for overwintering.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Amend soil with compost; ensure it's well-draining, light to heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, spaced 30-45 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have several true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist until germination. Thin plants to the recommended spacing once established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly, especially in wet soils. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and prevent disease spread.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting mulching.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: The root of Scorzonera mollis is the primary edible part, often prepared by boiling or roasting to enhance its flavor and reduce bitterness. The leaves can also be eaten, typically used fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Flowers are occasionally consumed raw or added to dishes for decorative purposes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 22 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia7 regions
native (7)IranIraqOmanPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkey
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Lebanon-Syria, Sinai, Gulf States, Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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