Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Bristly Oxtongue |
| Scientific Name | Helminthotheca echioides |
| MainColor | Yellow |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Naturalized |
| Season Found | July (Jul - Oct) |
| ImageUrl | Helminthotheca-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 02 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | A |
Flower Details
Description
A rough, bristly annual or biennial herb with stiff, spiny hairs; yellow dandelion-like flowers with reddish stripes on the underside.
Distribution
Native to the Mediterranean; now naturalized widely across Europe and North America.
Medicinal/Other Uses
Limited traditional use as a folk remedy for skin conditions and mild digestive complaints.
Edibility
Occasionally considered a wild edible in very small amounts, but bitter and unpalatable.
Human Toxicity
Mildly_Toxic
Can cause skin irritation from bristles; generally avoided as food.
Pet Toxicity
Not well-documented, but not considered highly toxic; could cause mild digestive upset.
Active Compounds
Sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids.