Globe Thistle, Southern globethistle, Small Globe Thistle

Echinops ritro

Physical Characteristics

Echinops ritro is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Central and Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Galactogogue The root is anti-inflammatory and galactogogue[176]. It is used in the treatment of breast abscesses with inflammation, mastitis, lack of milk in nursing mothers and distension of the breast[176].

Known Hazards

None known