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).

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 the food forest, it is an excellent option for the underground layer of edible roots.

See which trees 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

January — Harvest
February — Harvest
March — Planting
April — Planting
May
June
July
August
September
October — Harvest
November — Harvest
December — Harvest

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The black root is consumed cooked in various dishes and is rich in inulin, promoting gut health.

Where to buy

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.