Scorzonera
Pseudopodospermum hispanicum
Formerly Scorzonera hispanica · also Myscolus hispanicus
Also known as Spanish Salsify, Viper's Grass, Garden Scorzonera
Climate Match for your location
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Scorzonera is a perennial root vegetable cultivated for its long, slender black-skinned roots with white flesh, prized in European cuisine for their nutty flavor. The plant produces attractive yellow flowers and edible young leaves, making it both productive and ornamental in the garden.
Why grow it
Scorzonera offers a longer harvest window than many root vegetables, producing edible shoots in spring before the main root harvest in fall. Compared to salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), its close relative, scorzonera roots are typically darker-skinned and store somewhat longer. The dual-purpose nature of the plant, yielding both harvestable greens and substantial roots, makes efficient use of garden space in temperate climates.
Watch out for
Scorzonera requires consistent moisture during establishment and root development, as irregular watering can lead to forked or poorly formed roots. The roots are slow to mature, typically needing 8 to 10 months from sowing, so succession planting helps ensure steady harvests rather than a single glut.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Root layer
Root crops and the underground layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Scorzonera is a perennial root vegetable cultivated for its long, slender black-skinned roots with white flesh, prized in European cuisine for their nutty flavor. The plant produces attractive yellow flowers and edible young leaves, making it both productive and ornamental in the garden.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Scorzonera grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Scorzonera offers a longer harvest window than many root vegetables, producing edible shoots in spring before the main root harvest in fall. Compared to salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), its close relative, scorzonera roots are typically darker-skinned and store somewhat longer. The dual-purpose nature of the plant, yielding both harvestable greens and substantial roots, makes efficient use of garden space in temperate climates.
Watch out for
Scorzonera requires consistent moisture during establishment and root development, as irregular watering can lead to forked or poorly formed roots. The roots are slow to mature, typically needing 8 to 10 months from sowing, so succession planting helps ensure steady harvests rather than a single glut.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Root layer
Root crops and the underground layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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