Contents
Description
Carthamus, also known as safflower, is a thistle-like plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is an annual or biennial plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall. The plant has a straight stem with branches, and it produces spiny leaves that are either lobed or pinnately divided. The flowers of Carthamus are bright yellow, orange, or red and bloom from summer to fall. The fruit of the plant is an achene, which is a dry nut-like fruit that is covered with hairs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carthamus |
Appearance
Carthamus is a beautiful plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. The plant has a tall, upright growth habit and produces spiny leaves that are either lobed or pinnately divided. The flowers of Carthamus are bright yellow, orange, or red and bloom from summer to fall. The plant produces an achene, which is a dry, nut-like fruit that is covered with hairs. The plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and requires full sun to thrive.
Care Guide
Carthamus is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Carthamus plant:Water: Carthamus requires moderate watering. Make sure to water the plant deeply but infrequently to avoid overwatering.Fertilization: Carthamus requires minimal fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season.Soil: Carthamus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Carthamus requires full sun to thrive.Hardiness Zones: Carthamus is hardy in USDA zones 3-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carthamus is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, the plant can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Carthamus is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated worldwide. The plant prefers dry, arid climates and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Carthamus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Carthamus can be grown in containers as long as the container is deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.Q: How often should Carthamus be fertilized?
A: Carthamus requires minimal fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season.Q: Is Carthamus deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Carthamus is deer-resistant.Q: Can Carthamus be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Carthamus has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including menstrual cramps, fever, and constipation.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Carthamus:- Calendula- Echinacea- Rudbeckia- Sunflower
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Carthamus tinctorius. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a329- Purdue University. (n.d.). Carthamus tinctorius. Retrieved from https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/safflower.html- The Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Carthamus tinctorius. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17491/i-Carthamus-tinctorius-i/Details
