Contents
Description
Carlina Involucrata is a biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the silver thistle or Carlina thistle, and it is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall and has a basal rosette of leaves. It produces a large flower head that is surrounded by spiny bracts that are silver or white in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carlina |
Appearance
The leaves of the Carlina Involucrata plant are deeply lobed and have a silver-gray color. The flower heads are large and globe-shaped, measuring up to 8 cm in diameter. The spiny bracts that surround the flower head are silver or white in color and can be up to 10 cm long. The flowers themselves are small and yellow in color. The plant blooms from July to August.
Care Guide
Carlina Involucrata is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy. Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests and Diseases
Carlina Involucrata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide spray.
Habitat
Carlina Involucrata is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It grows in dry, rocky habitats and is often found on hillsides and in meadows. The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and digestive problems.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Carlina Involucrata a perennial or biennial plant?
A: Carlina Involucrata can be either a biennial or perennial plant depending on the growing conditions.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Carlina Involucrata?
A: Carlina Involucrata is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Q: Can Carlina Involucrata tolerate shade?
A: Carlina Involucrata prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Q: What is the common name for Carlina Involucrata?
A: Carlina Involucrata is commonly known as the silver thistle or Carlina thistle.
Related Plants
- Carlina Acaulis
- Carlina Cynara
- Carlina Gummifera
- Carlina Lanata
References
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Carlina Involucrata. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/703285
- Govaerts, R. (2019). World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved from http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=191212
- Mabberley, D. J. (2017). Mabberley’s Plant-Book. Cambridge University Press.
