Carline Thistle

Carlina vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Carlina vulgaris is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, north to 60° N., east to Siberia, Caucasus and W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Flowering head - cooked. Used as a globe artichoke substitute[2, 105, 177, 183], though they are considerably smaller and even more fiddly[K].

Medicinal Uses

Diaphoretic Purgative The roots and leaves are diaphoretic and purgative.

Known Hazards

None known