Acanthus-leaved thistle, Acanthus-leaved carline thistle, Stemless carlien thistle.
Carlina acanthifolia
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A stemless thistle. It has a long taproot. It grows 10 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. The leaves form in a ring around the plant. The leaves are oval and divided into leaflets along the stalk. There are spines at the ends. The leaves have white felt underneath. The lower leaves have stalks. The flower heads are large. They are 30-70 mm wide and have pink florets and yellowish flower bracts. In fertile soils, flowers develop stalks.
There are about 20-28 Carlina species.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in dry grassy habitats. It grows on hills and mountains. It needs well drained soil and neutral to alkaline.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andorra, Balkans, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland
How it is used for food
The receptacle of the flower is used like an artichoke. They are eaten raw. The leaves can be used to curdle milk.
Edible parts
Flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Trnatolistna kompava