Saffron thistle
Carthamus lanatus

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An annual plant. It grows 80 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stem is erect and stiff. The leaves are divided into lobes along the stalk. They are spiny at the edges. The flowers are yellow and like a thistle flower.

There are 14 Carthamus species. They are thistle like plants. They are mostly Mediterranean.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows best in well-composted soils in an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central Asia, Chile, Europe (country/location of origin), India, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, Sicily, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The stems are eaten raw. An edible oil is extracted from the seeds. The leaves at the base are used in stews. The roots are dried and eaten as a spice.

Edible parts

Stems, seeds, fruit - oil, leaves, roots - spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Cardo lanudo, Cardo santo, Coronicas, Dikenli afin, Dikenli afyon, El-asfar, Vavanazzi, Volnati rumenik, Zafferanone selvatico

Synonyms

Anactis pilosa Raf.; Carthamus albus Desf.; Kentrophyllum lanatum (L.) DC.; and others