Family: Apiaceae
Scandix pecten-veneris, or shepherd’s-needle, is a fast-growing annual herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae), native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It grows up to 50 cm tall and is known for its fine, feathery leaves and long, slender seed pods that resemble needles—an adaptation for clinging to fur, fabric, or equipment.
This plant has a long history as a wild edible in the Mediterranean, where its young leaves are eaten raw or cooked. It reproduces only by seeds and can produce over 1,000 seeds per plant, although its seeds do not remain viable for more than a year. It spreads primarily through human activity and surface attachment to animals.
Shepherd’s-needle has naturalized in several regions outside its native range, including North America, Australia, and possibly on the island of Oʻahu. It grows in disturbed sites and agricultural areas, where it can act as a minor weed of cereal crops and pastures. While not toxic, it is moderately palatable to livestock like goats and sheep. In Hawaiʻi, it has been identified as a high-risk species due to its adaptability and potential to spread in disturbed landscapes.
Description and Dispersal:
- An erect branched annual, growing in height, which develops a bare stem, creating a thick crown up to 50 cm
- Spreads by seeds
High Risk Traits:
- Broad elevation range and climate suitability
- Can grow in temperate, Mediterranean, and subtropical climates
- Naturalized in several regions outside its native range, including North America, Australia, and possibly on the island of Oʻahu
- A disturbance adapted crop weed
- Tolerates many soil types (not limited by substrate)
- Reproduces by seeds only
- Self-fertile
- Annual (reaches maturity in one growing season)
- Seeds dispersed externally by attachment to animals, and through accidental and intentional human activities (cultivation and seed contamination)
- Capable of prolific seed production (possibly more than 1000 m-2)
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burs)
- Palatable to animals and people
- Not reported to be toxic
- Cannot grow in shade
- Herbicides may provide effective control