Carline thistle
Carlina vulgaris
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A thistle herb that has a 2 year life-cycle. It grows 50 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stem is erect and stiff. It has a purple tinge. The leaves in the first year are flat and strap like. They are hairy and have spines. The leaves in the second year are sword shaped and stiff with bristles. The edges are wavy. The leaves on the stem clasp the stem. The flowers are yellow with purple towards the centre. They are in clusters of 2-5. The fruit are cylinder shaped nutlets.
There are about 20-28 Carlina species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on dry chalky soils often in stony places. It is resistant to drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain (country/location of origin), Europe, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean
How it is used for food
The flower receptacles are used like an artichoke. The young leaves are boiled in mixtures of leafy vegetables.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaf stalks
How it is grown
Plants are grown by seed.
Its other names
Local names
Carducci