Common Star Thistle, Red star-thistle

Centaurea calcitrapa

Physical Characteristics

Centaurea calcitrapa is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, 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 and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe. Probably introduced in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61, 105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic The powdered seeds are drunk as a remedy for stone[4, 240]. The powdered root is said to be a cure for fistula and gravel[4, 240].

Known Hazards

None known