Lamb's Succory
Arnoseris minima
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnoseris
Overview
Lamb's Succory is a small annual herb in the daisy family, characterized by its rosette of narrow, toothed leaves and tiny yellow flower heads that close in cloudy weather. This diminutive plant typically grows 5-20 cm tall and plays a role in supporting specialized invertebrates adapted to nutrient-poor sandy environments.
Lamb's Succory has declined dramatically across its European range due to the intensification of agriculture and abandonment of traditional low-intensity farming practices. The species requires nutrient-poor, sandy soils that are maintained by extensive grazing or cultivation, but modern agricultural practices have either enriched soils through fertilization or led to habitat abandonment and succession.
Habitat
Lamb's Succory thrives in nutrient-poor, acidic sandy soils of arable field margins, fallow land, and extensively managed heathland edges. It is particularly associated with traditional farming landscapes where low-intensity cultivation maintains the open, disturbed ground conditions it requires.
Other threatened species in Asteraceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lamb's Succory classified as Endangered?
Where does Lamb's Succory live?
What are the main threats to Lamb's Succory?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.