Contents
Description
Carlina Vulgaris, also known as the Carline Thistle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and can grow up to 60 centimeters in height. The plant produces a single flower head that blooms from July to September and attracts a variety of pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. The plant is commonly used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Carlina |
Appearance
The Carlina Vulgaris has a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply lobed and can grow up to 20 centimeters in length. The stem of the plant is erect and unbranched, with spiny wings that grow up to 30 centimeters in length. The plant produces a single flower head that is surrounded by spiny bracts and can grow up to 8 centimeters in diameter. The flowers are white or yellow, and the fruit is an achene that is surrounded by a pappus of bristles.
Care Guide
The Carlina Vulgaris prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires moderate watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Carlina Vulgaris is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and rust. It can also be affected by powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent these issues from becoming problematic.
Habitat
The Carlina Vulgaris is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Carlina Vulgaris a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Carlina Vulgaris has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Q: Can Carlina Vulgaris grow in shade?
A: Carlina Vulgaris prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: What is the blooming period of Carlina Vulgaris?
A: The plant produces a single flower head that blooms from July to September.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Carlina Vulgaris?
A: Carlina Vulgaris is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Carlina Acaulis
- Carlina Corymbosa
- Carlina Gummifera
- Carlina Lanata
References
- Flora of China. (2021). Carlina. In Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., & Hong, D. Y. (Eds.), Flora of China (Vol. 20, pp. 83-85). Beijing: Science Press; St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. (2021). Carlina Vulgaris. Retrieved from https://www.rbge.org.uk/collections/collections-online/plant-details/?id=1852
- The Plant List. (2013). Carlina Vulgaris. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/gcc-116388
