Explore Scolymus hispanicus (Spanish Salsify) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Scolymus hispanicus | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Spanish Salsify, Golden Thistle
Family: Asteraceae
Appearance: A spiny biennial plant with yellow, thistle-like flowers and deeply lobed, spiny leaves. It has a thick, edible taproot.
Type: Biennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herb
Root System: Features a deep taproot
Height: 0.6–1.2 meters
Width: Approximately 0.3–0.5 meters
Lifespan: 2 years (biennial)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees and other pollinators
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Scolymus hispanicus | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean regions, especially Spain and North Africa
Companionship: Often found with other Mediterranean herbs and thistles
Invasive Range: Naturalized in some parts of Europe and North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagated by seeds
Cuttings: Not typically propagated by cuttings
Scolymus hispanicus | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: The roots and young shoots are edible, traditionally consumed in Mediterranean cuisine
Medicinal: Historically used as a diuretic and for digestive support
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Occasionally grazed by livestock
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not used as firewood
Wind Break: Not used as a windbreak
Fence: Not used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators
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