Reichardia picroides - Perennial lettuce, French Scorzonera, Common brighteyes

Reichardia picroides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a fast rate.
It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. Here on The Wildlands its grown outside all winter.

It is in flower from April to August, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.

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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

The leaves are eaten raw or cooked and are mild and pleasant with an agreeable flavour with a slight sweetness and very little fibre, it makes a very acceptable lettuce substitute and we use it in large quantities in salads. The older leaves seem to be even nicer, even when the plant is in flower. The roots can also be eaten raw or cooked.

Teas

Not used

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are depurative, diuretic, emollient, galactagogue, hypoglycaemic and tonic.
The roots are used in the treatment of cough, abdominal pains and kidney problems

For more information you can visit the PFAF (plants for a future) website here.

Supplied in 1l pots. Please select the number of plants below