Back
Photograph of Black salsify
Photo: Wikipedia

Black salsify

Scorzonera hispanica

  • Layer 6 · Roots
  • Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019) · the Madeira list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to southern and central Europe, it is cultivated for its nutritious root with black skin and white flesh. It prefers deep, light soils for good root development. In a food forest, it is an excellent option for the underground layer of edible roots.

See which trees the black salsify grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

No account needed.

Needs

  • Water: Medium
  • Light: Full sun
  • Size: Perennial herb up to 0.6 m
  • Mature diameter: 0.3 m
  • Soils: Loam, Sandy
  • Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

  1. January — Harvest
  2. February — Harvest
  3. March — Planting
  4. April — Planting
  5. May
  6. June
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September
  10. October — Harvest
  11. November — Harvest
  12. December — Harvest
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: Black salsify is consumed cooked in various dishes and is rich in inulin, promoting gut health.

Where to buy

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

See which trees the black salsify grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

No account needed.

Not ready to map your land yet?

Get the free mini-guide to starting an edible forest.

We use your email only for the guide and MyArbora news. Privacy policy