Contents
Description
Onopordum Illyricum, also known as Illyrian thistle or woolly thistle, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in countries such as Greece, Italy, and Turkey. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and has a large, globe-shaped flower head that is covered in silvery-white hairs. The flower head can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and is composed of numerous small flowers that bloom from June to August. Onopordum Illyricum is commonly used for ornamental purposes due to its striking appearance, but it also has medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya ||————|———|| Kingdom| Plantae || Phylum| Tracheophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Asterales || Family| Asteraceae || Genus| Onopordum || Species| Onopordum Illyricum |
Appearance
Onopordum Illyricum has a sturdy, erect stem that is covered in spiny leaves. The leaves are deeply lobed and can grow up to 50 cm long. The flower head is large and globe-shaped, with numerous small flowers that are surrounded by spiny bracts. The bracts are covered in silvery-white hairs that give the plant a woolly appearance. The flowers are typically pink-purple in color, but can also be white or yellow. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and 1 meter wide, making it an impressive addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Onopordum Illyricum is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure, but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering, but should be watered deeply once a week during dry spells. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. Onopordum Illyricum is cold-hardy and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Onopordum Illyricum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Proper spacing and good air circulation can help prevent these diseases. If necessary, fungicides can be applied to control the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Onopordum Illyricum is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in countries such as Greece, Italy, and Turkey. The plant prefers dry, rocky habitats and can often be found growing on hillsides and cliffs. Onopordum Illyricum is well-suited to xeriscaping and can be used in rock gardens or other dry areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Onopordum Illyricum an invasive species?
A: No, Onopordum Illyricum is not considered an invasive species in the United States.
Q: Can Onopordum Illyricum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Onopordum Illyricum can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Can Onopordum Illyricum be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Onopordum Illyricum has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including liver and gallbladder problems, kidney stones, and arthritis.
Q: Does Onopordum Illyricum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the large flower head of Onopordum Illyricum attracts a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
– Onopordum Acanthium- Cirsium Vulgare- Carduus Nutans- Silybum Marianum
References
– “Onopordum Illyricum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286617.- “Onopordum Illyricum.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:238255-1.- “Onopordum Illyricum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8124/onopordum-illyricum/details.
