Carlina acanthifolia
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Carlina acanthifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Stony places, pastures and rocks on poor soils in mountainous areas.
S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Flowering head - cooked. Used as a globe artichoke substitute, though they are considerably smaller and even more fiddly.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil. Prefers an alkaline soil. Prefers a poor soil. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A very ornamental plant. This species resents root disturbance, it should be planted into its final position as soon as possible.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in a cold frame in the spring. The seed usually germinates in 4 - 8 weeks at 15°c. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring. Difficult to do successfully because the plant resents root disturbance.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist