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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Picris hieracioides is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion). The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Meadow; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - raw or cooked as a pot-herb[2, 4, 105]. Not wonderful raw, they are slightly better cooked[173]. A rather bitter flavour[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Febrifuge

The bitter leaves have been used as a febrifuge[240]. The plant is mixed with Swertia pedicellata and pounded to a paste thn applied to the forehead to treat headaches[272].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a dryish soil but succeeds in most soils[200]. Dislikes shade. Wild plants are an indicator of calcareous soils[200]. Seed is often produced apomictically[17]. Any seedlings from this seed will be genetically identical to the parent plant.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ, only just covering the seed. Germination should take place quite quickly.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Picris echioides	Bristly Ox-Tongue	Annual/Biennial	0.9	5-9		LMH	N	DM	2	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Picris hieracioides - L.