Spiked rampion
Phyteuma spicatum
Historically, the thick, tuberous roots and young leaves of this species were harvested and eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
- Scientific name
- Phyteuma spicatum
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Asterales › Campanulaceae › Phyteuma
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous woodlands, forest margins, and shady meadows with damp, nutrient-rich soils.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis, drawing water and minerals from the soil).
- Range
- Europe, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Scandinavia
- Size
- 30 to 80 cm tall
- Lifespan
- 3 to 7 years (perennial)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, intensive woodland management, and overgrazing by herbivores.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. This plant is non-toxic and safe to touch or observe closely. Avoid trampling the surrounding soil to protect its delicate basal leaves. No medical action is required upon contact.
Phyteuma spicatum , the spiked rampion , is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Campanulaceae.
Photo: Klaus Wehrlin, CC0, via iNaturalist
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