Scorzonera cretica - Cretan Viper's-grass - (Asteraceae)

Cretan Viper's-grass is a member of the Daisy family, and is characterised by its thin, strap-like leaves.

Cretan viper's-grass

The yellow flowers of Cretan viper's-grass are sometimes reddish on the reverse side.

This plant grows on rocks, old stone walls and in other stony habitats. It flowers in April and May in Crete and the southern Agean islands. It is related to the species Scorzonera hispanica (Salsify) which has edible roots.

The plant on this page was photographed in Crete in early April.