Scorzonera undulata
Scorzonera undulata
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Pl. F007 — Scorzonera undulata
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IOverview
Overview
Scorzonera undulata, a perennial plant native to Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, and Tunisia, thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions. It grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible roots and flowers, this plant is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of Scorzonera undulata is its ability to grow in diverse habitats across North Africa and the Middle East, making it a resilient species in challenging environments.
Quick answers
What is Scorzonera undulata?
Scorzonera undulata, a perennial plant native to Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, and Tunisia, thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions. It grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Scorzonera undulata 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. This perennial requires little water once established. The plant grows to about 0.3 meters tall and produces edible roots and flowers. Hardy in temperate regions, it is native to Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, and Tunisia. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or divide the rootstock in spring or fall.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Scorzonera undulata for the first time
8steps
Start with basic soil and full sun, and you'll have a good chance of success.
- 1
What you'll need
A small shovel or trowel, seeds or young plants.
- 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 spot with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.3 meters apart in the ground or plant young seedlings at the same spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not soggy, and mulch lightly if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only when necessary during dry spells. Fertilize once a year with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersRoot
Edible uses: The root of Scorzonera undulata is commonly eaten and can be prepared in various ways—cooked or raw. The flowers are also edible and can be consumed fresh or used to make teas.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 7 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Italy
Asia1 region
native (1)Saudi Arabia
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoTunisia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f007bc34-47fd-4ba6-bfc7-1f277823bf9f
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