Cicerbita is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae (order Asterales), commonly known as blue sow thistles. Described by Wallroth in 1822, the genus comprises about 44 species native to Asia and Europe. The name Cicerbita derives from Italian, meaning "chickory-like" — a nod to its resemblance to the related chicory genus Cichorium.
Plants are typically perennial, often spreading by rhizomes, though annual species also occur. Leaves are either undivided or pinnately compound. The flower heads carry 5 to 30 individual florets, most commonly in shades of blue or purple, though some species produce white or yellow blooms. Like other members of the Asteraceae, the fruit is a ribbed achene topped with a pappus of bristles and hairs that aids wind dispersal.
The most familiar species is Cicerbita alpina, the alpine blue sow thistle, which is both a wild-collected culinary delicacy in Italy (sold as insalata dell'orso, or "bear salad") and a species of conservation concern due to overharvesting. Cicerbita macrophylla is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant. The genus spans a wide Eurasian range from Western Europe through the Himalayas to China, with notable diversity in the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean mountains.
Etymology
The name Cicerbita comes from Italian, meaning "chickory-like" — a reference to its resemblance to the chicory genus Cichorium, also in the Asteraceae family.
Distribution
Cicerbita is native across Eurasia, with species ranging from Western Europe through the Mediterranean, Caucasus, and Central Asia to the Himalayas and China. The genus encompasses about 44 species, with diversity centered in mountainous regions of temperate Asia and Europe. Some species have been introduced beyond their native range.
Cultivation
Cicerbita macrophylla, the common blue sow thistle, is grown as an ornamental garden perennial for its large leaves and sprays of pale blue flowers. Field trials are underway to develop agricultural cultivation of Cicerbita alpina, whose wild populations face pressure from overharvesting for culinary use. The genus is not widely cultivated beyond these species.
Conservation
Cicerbita alpina is wild-collected in Italy for food markets, and there is concern that the species may be threatened by overexploitation. Some local Italian authorities have enacted ordinances limiting wild collection. Field trials exploring agricultural cultivation aim to reduce pressure on wild populations.
Cultural Uses
The young shoots of Cicerbita alpina are a traditional wild food in parts of Italy, where they are boiled and served with olive oil or tomato sauce. Considered a delicacy, the plant is sold in markets under the name insalata dell'orso ("bear salad"), sometimes preserved in oil. It is also served in restaurants within its native range.
