Scolymus hispanicus is a bright green, erect, branched thistle with golden-yellow, flowers arranged along the stems amongst the spiny leaves.  It grows in fields, olive groves and wasteland, where it often forms impenetrable masses. It may be a surprise to some that this exceedingly prickly plant is valued in Greece and other Mediterranean countries, particularly Spain, as a wild vegetable. In spring the tender leaves are gathered before the spines develop; later they are picked and the leaves are stripped off to leave the base and central vein; in autumn, the roots are used. The florets can be used as a saffron substitute to colour food.