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Description
Carthamus Glaucus, also known as seaside saffron or yellow thistle, is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the coastal areas of California and Baja California, where it grows along sandy beaches and coastal bluffs. The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carthamus |
Appearance
The Carthamus Glaucus plant grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. It has a woody stem and gray-green leaves that are lobed and have spiny edges. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter and have a thistle-like appearance. The flowers bloom in clusters and are surrounded by bracts that are also spiny. The plant’s seeds are small and brown.
Care Guide
The Carthamus Glaucus plant prefers well-draining sandy soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering once established. Fertilization is not necessary, but adding compost to the soil can improve its quality. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Carthamus Glaucus plant is relatively pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew and rust. These can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The Carthamus Glaucus plant is native to the coastal areas of California and Baja California. It grows along sandy beaches, dunes, and coastal bluffs. It can also be found in disturbed areas like roadsides and vacant lots.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Carthamus Glaucus plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its root system and the soil is well-draining.
Q: Does the Carthamus Glaucus plant attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is the Carthamus Glaucus plant toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that the plant is toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants that are not meant for consumption.
Q: How often should the Carthamus Glaucus plant be pruned?
A: The plant does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to bloom.
Related Plants
- Carthamus tinctorius (safflower)
- Carthamus lanatus (woolly distaff thistle)
- Carthamus oxyacanthus (hedgehog thistle)
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Carthamus glaucus. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Carthamus-glaucus-()-seaside-saffron
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Yellow Thistle. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/California_Horticulture_Landscape_Design/Yellow_Thistle/
