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Description
Scolymus Grandiflorus, also known as golden thistle or Spanish oyster plant, is a species of thistle that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This perennial plant is native to the western Mediterranean region and is commonly found in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Algeria. The golden thistle can grow up to 2 meters in height and has a woody stem that is covered with spines. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed and can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. The flowers of Scolymus Grandiflorus are bright yellow and can grow up to 5 centimeters in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Scolymus |
Appearance
The golden thistle is a visually striking plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom from July to September. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed and have a glossy, dark green appearance. The stem of the plant is woody and covered with spines that can be quite sharp. The golden thistle can grow up to 2 meters in height and can spread up to 1 meter in width.
Care Guide
The golden thistle is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Scolymus Grandiflorus:
Water: The golden thistle prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought. However, it is important to water the plant regularly during the growing season to ensure that it remains healthy and vibrant.
Fertilization: The golden thistle does not require much fertilizer. However, you can give it a boost by adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in early spring.
Soil: The golden thistle prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it does not do well in heavy clay soil.
Sunlight: The golden thistle prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The golden thistle is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The golden thistle is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if the plant is grown in an area with poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is grown in a location with good air movement and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
The golden thistle is native to the western Mediterranean region and is commonly found in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Algeria. It prefers to grow in dry, rocky areas and can be found in both coastal and inland regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the golden thistle a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the golden thistle is a great plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can the golden thistle be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the golden thistle can be grown in containers. However, it is important to use a large container and to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Q: Does the golden thistle require pruning?
A: The golden thistle does not require pruning. However, you can remove the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Q: Is the golden thistle deer-resistant?
A: The golden thistle is not deer-resistant and can be damaged by deer if they are present in the area.
Related Plants
– Scolymus hispanicus (Spanish golden thistle)- Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle)- Onopordum acanthium (Scotch thistle)
References
– “Scolymus grandiflorus,” Plants of the World Online, accessed September 16, 2021, https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:245465-1.- “Scolymus grandiflorus,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed September 16, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282700&isprofile=0&pt=2.- “Golden Thistle,” University of Florida IFAS Extension, accessed September 16, 2021, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP194.
