Black-salsify (Scorzonera hispanica, Sp. Pl.: 791 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 791 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scorzonera

Vegetable: True

Observations: Unknown

Description

Black-salsify, scientifically known as Scorzonera hispanica, is a fascinating and underappreciated plant belonging to the diverse Asteraceae family. First described in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, Black-salsify has a rich botanical heritage.

Though it bears an unassuming appearance, this plant has much to offer. Its long, slender root, which resembles a black carrot with a creamy white interior, is not only edible but celebrated for its mildly sweet and nutty flavor that can be likened to that of oysters. This unique taste has earned it the nickname “oyster plant” in some culinary circles.

Historically, Black-salsify has been valued not only for its gastronomic qualities but also for its nutritional benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a worthy addition to a health-conscious diet. The plant thrives best in well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight, and it can be found growing in various regions across Europe and parts of Asia.

Although specific observations about Black-salsify are not well-documented, its known uses in both traditional and modern cuisine highlight its versatility. Whether roasted, boiled, or grated into salads, this humble root vegetable brings an earthy, pleasant flavor to many dishes.

In an era where plant-based diets are gaining popularity, Black-salsify stands out as an excellent alternative to more common root vegetables. Its historical significance, combined with its culinary and nutritional virtues, makes it a plant worth rediscovering in contemporary gardens and kitchens.

Common Names

En: Black-salsify, Scorzonera, Spanish-salsify, Black oysterplant, Common viper’s-grass, Black salsify, Black Oyster Plant, Lettuce Salsify, Spanish Salsify, Common viper’s grass, Block Salsify
Sq: Skorzonerë e Spanjës
Ar: سلسفي هسباني
Az: İspan təkəsaqqalı
Eu: Eskortzonera
Be: Скарцанера
Bg: Испански кокеш
Ca: Escurçonera de nap, Escurçonera hispànica
Zh: 黑婆罗门参
Cs: Hadí mord španělský
Da: Skorzonerrod, Have-Skorsonér, Have-skorsoner
Nl: Schorseneer, Grote schorseneer
Et: Aed-mustjuur
Fi: Mustajuuri
Fr: Salsifis noir, Scorsonère, Scorzonère d’Espagne, Salsifis, Asperge d’hiver, Scorsonère d’Espagne, Scorzonère, Scolyme d’Espagne, Chardon d’Espagne, Scorsonère des prés, Petit scorsonère, Scorzonère humble
Gl: Escorzoneira
De: Schwarzwurzel, Garten-Schwarzwurzel, Gemüse-Schwarzwurzel, Winterspargel, Schwarzwurz, Spanische Schwarzwurzel
Hu: Feketegyökér
It: Scorzonera, Scorzonera di Spagna, Viperaria, Scorzonera con foglie di Gladiolo
Ko: 검은쇠채
Ku: Sping
La: Scorzonera
Lv: Melnsakne
Lt: Valgomoji gelteklė
Lb: Salsifi
Pl: Wężymord czarny korzeń, Wężymord hiszpański
Pt: Escorcioneira
Ro: Scorțoneră, Скорцонерэ спаниолэ
Ru: Козелец испанский
Es: Salsifí negro, Teta de vaca, Escorzonera, Salsifi negro
Sv: Svartrot
Tr: Sakız otu

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Rinaldi Francesco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 13, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by Beate Liebold (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 12, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scorzonera hispanica L.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3110905)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]