False chicory (Crepis vesicaria)

bush with yellow flowers in dry ground

La Crepe vesicaria It is a species of herbaceous plant native to Micronesia, part of western and central Europe, as well as the Mediterranean basin and the plant is annual, biennial or perennial. Under favorable general conditions, this herb can grow up to 1,20 meters in height, the stem can be arched or erect and has a good number of branches in most cases, but these are scarcer at the terminal end.

Features

shrub with yellow flowers called False chicory

This kind of Crepis has basal leaves arranged in rosettesThey are petiolate and provided with rough and hard hairs, also lirada to pinnatisects, have 5 to 7 toothed lobes and also have smaller stem leaves than the previous and seated ones.

Its flowers of a lively yellow color are characterized by being grouped in racemose inflorescences, they are hermaphrodite and actinomorphic. The calyx is made up of 4 erect sepals, 4 free petals and arranged in a cross form the cream-colored corolla in which purplish nerves are observed.

Flowering occurs between February and June, while the fruits of Crepe vesicaria they appear as erect siliques containing beveled grains. The insects are called to carry out the pollination of the flowers where the hermaphroditic reproductive units are located.

Habitat of the Crepe vesicaria

It grows naturally on the roadsides, in dry fields, uncultivated rustic land, meadows, etc. This species tends to develop favorably when the soils have an acid, alkaline, very alkaline or neutral PH. The substrates of sandy, clayey or loamy consistency are ideal for the underground zone of the plant to grow abundantly and strongly, even when they remain dry for long periods.

When grown at home pay attention to the way of irrigation Depending on the type of soil, in this sense it is necessary to maintain adequate levels of humidity which must be permanent and in accordance with the soil, environmental conditions, temperatures or direct sun exposure. The Crepe vesicaria It is very flexible regarding your lighting needs as it supports both direct sun exposure and semi-shade.

Uses of the plant

If we talk about ornamental uses, the fake chicory it is very useful to form green walls on a fence or support, providing a more private environment or to separate one space from another. Likewise, this herb is attributed some properties that are beneficial in medicinal matters, the most useful parts being the leaves and seeds.

The main components are essential oil and glucosinolates specifically 3: glucoerucine, glucoraphanin and gluconasturtin, all of them present in leaves and seeds. In particular, the leaves contain trace elements, fiber, low amounts of tryptophan, provitamin A and vitamin C, while the oil of the seeds has between 19% and 21% of oil that is composed of eicosenoic, palmitic, linoleic, oleic and erucic acid 45%.

Medicinal properties

Yellow flowers Crepis vesicaria

The leaf consumed in good quantities and raw serves to stimulate urine production, to treat kidney stones, edema, anemia, weakness, asthenia and loss of appetite. Its tryptophan content is said to help stimulate libido. It is also effective for treating dyspepsia, overweight, rheumatism, fluid retention, protects the liver and is ideal for use in cleansing diets.

The seeds consumed in small doses are used to eradicate intestinal worms, stimulate the appetite. The leaves are used both in infusions, as in meals and juices, the seeds in infusions but always in very small quantities since in large doses they are toxic. It is important that after harvest they are stored for at least six months before using them.

The leaves that are consumed are the tender basal ones, which are collected in autumn and winter as long as they are very tender. They are added to salads, soups or sauces as they are very rich in mineral salts and vitamin C and provide a spicy taste. Flowers, seeds and young seed pods they are also edible, sprouted are ideal for salads, crushed and prepared seeds replace mustard.

Crepis vesicaria is a species that is very popular and natural in much of Europe., it usually blooms in coastal meadows of the Asturian and Gozón regions at the beginning of spring, however the blooming comes a little later in the inland areas. The plant has become a rich source of food for caterpillars and a great variety of birds enjoy feeding on its seeds.


4 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Marta said

    Dandelion we call you in Chile

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Curious. Dandelion is also the common name for a herb, the Taraxacum officinale : )

  2.   Juan said

    What a coincidence, today I was photographing this plant, partly with flower and buds, by the way very pretty but I did not know its name, so I was going to look for it. They saved me the work and I already know their names (common and scientific) I was struck by the texture of their leaves and stems. Thanks a lot.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Brilliant. We are glad that it has been useful to you 🙂