Cephalaria syriaca aka Syrian Cephalaria

Cephalaria syriaca is an undemanding annual that succeeds in ordinary garden soil. It requires full sun and tolerates a range of soil textures and pH levels from neutral to alkaline. No specialist care is needed; sow seeds directly into the ground in spring.

Cephalaria syriaca is an annual typically reaching around 1 metre in height. Members of the Cephalaria genus can grow 0.8–2 m tall depending on conditions.

Cephalaria syriaca prefers moist conditions but is not demanding. Ordinary soil moisture in an open, sunny position is generally sufficient.

The plant succeeds in light, medium, and heavy soils. It tolerates neutral to alkaline pH and grows well in ordinary garden soil without specialist amendment.

Specific hardiness zone data is not confirmed in available sources. The species is native to temperate Asia and the Middle East, and is cultivated as a cool-season annual; seeds can be sown in early spring or autumn.

Cephalaria syriaca is strictly an outdoor plant. Sow seeds directly into ordinary garden soil in a full-sun position in March–April, or potentially September–October. The species has historically been grown in agricultural field settings across the Middle East and Russia, and can naturalise readily in cultivated or disturbed ground.

Propagation is by seed. Sow directly into the final growing position in March–April (or September–October). Seeds have historically been broadcast into grain fields and harvested mechanically alongside wheat.

Cephalaria syriaca is an annual flowering plant. Detailed bloom time and individual flower colour for this species are not confirmed in available sources, though related species in the genus typically bear pale yellow to cream flower heads on erect stems.

The seeds of Cephalaria syriaca (known as Pelemir in Turkey) are edible and have been used for centuries as a food. They are ground into flour and mixed with wheat to make bread and other baked goods, adding a distinctive bitter flavour. The seed oil content (~22.6%) means the flour can go rancid quickly. Modern research identifies the seeds as a rich source of t-resveratrol and caffeic acid, and clinical studies have incorporated Pelemir-enriched bread into trials with healthy adults and those with metabolic conditions, finding it safe and well-tolerated across all groups.

Cephalaria syriaca seeds contain high concentrations of t-resveratrol (up to 4629 μg/g dw) and caffeic acid, polyphenols associated with cancer prevention and neuroprotection. A 2025 clinical trial found that Pelemir-enriched bread significantly increased insulin, C-peptide, and GLP-1 responses in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, suggesting potential benefit for metabolic health. Traditional medicinal uses are not documented in available sources.

The seeds contain approximately 22.6% oil that has been used as a fuel. Beyond food and fuel, the plant's high polyphenol content is attracting interest from food science researchers as a functional ingredient.

Cephalaria syriaca is a hermaphroditic annual. Specific pollination method for this species is not confirmed in available sources, though related Cephalaria species are typically insect-pollinated.

Syrian Cephalaria’s native range is Europe - Spain to W. Asia.

Syrian Cephalaria thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Makhobeli.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.