Scorzonera purpurea - Purple Viper's-grass

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Asterales - Family: Asteraceae

Description

Purple Viper's-grass, a member of the Daisy family, is characterised by its thin, strap-like leaves and hawkweed-like flower heads typically 5cm in diameter. The compound flowers of Purple Viper's-grass are usually pale mauve or pale purple but sometimes pale rose-purple. This plant is related to the species Scorzonera hispanica (Salsify) which has edible roots.

Distribution

The native range of Scorzonera purpurea is central Europe, extending across into Asia.

Habitat

This plant favours sandy loams in warm, sunny locations. Dry meadows, scrubby slopes and woodland edges are often brightened by these delightful wildflowers.

Blooming times

Purple Viper's-grass produces flowers between early May and the end of June, but depending on location occasionally you may see specimens still in bloom in mid July.

The plants shown on this page were photographed in Slovenia during June.

Etymology

Scorzonera comes from Old French scorzonère, meaning 'black serpent' - a reference to the dark roots of these plants, which because they look like black snakes were used in a traditional antidote to snakebites (whether effective or not!). The common name also reflects this use.

The specific epithet purpurea means 'purple', reflecting the rosy-purple colour that is typical of the flowers.

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