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Carline Thistle

Carlina vulgaris

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae (Daisy)
Also in this family:
Alpine Blue Sow-thistle, Alpine Cotula, Alpine Fleabane, Alpine Saw-wort, Annual Ragweed, Annual Sunflower, Argentine Fleabane, Autumn Hawkbit, Autumn Oxeye, Beaked Hawksbeard, Beggarticks, Bilbao Fleabane, Black Knapweed, Black-eyed Susan, Blanketflower, Blue Fleabane, Blue Globe-thistle, Bristly Oxtongue, Broad-leaved Cudweed, Broad-leaved Ragwort, Brown Knapweed, Butterbur, Buttonweed, Cabbage Thistle, Canadian Fleabane, Canadian Goldenrod, Chalk Knapweed, Chamois Ragwort, Changing Michaelmas Daisy, Chicory, Chinese Mugwort, Chinese Ragwort, Coltsfoot, Common Blue Sow-thistle, Common Cat's-ear, Common Cudweed, Common Daisy, Common Dandelion, Common Fleabane, Common Goldenrod, Common Groundsel, Common Michaelmas Daisy, Common Mugwort, Common Ragwort, Common Wormwood, Coneflower, Confused Michaelmas Daisy, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Cotton Thistle, Cottonweed, Creeping Thistle, Daisy Bush, Dwarf Cudweed, Dwarf Thistle, Early Goldenrod, Eastern Groundsel, Eastern Leopardsbane, Elecampane, English Hawkweed, Fen Ragwort, Feverfew, Field Fleawort, Field Wormwood, Fox and Cubs, French Tarragon, Gallant Soldier, Garden Lettuce, Giant Butterbur, Glabrous-headed Hawkweed, Glandular Globe-thistle, Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy, Globe Artichoke, Globe-thistle, Goat's Beard, Golden Ragwort, Golden Samphire, Goldilocks Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Great Lettuce, Greater Burdock, Greater Knapweed, Grey-headed Hawkweed, Guernsey Fleabane, Hairless Blue Sow-thistle, Hairless Leptinella, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Harpur Crewe's Leopardsbane, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Heath Cudweed, Heath Groundsel, Hemp Agrimony, Highland Cudweed, Hoary Mugwort, Hoary Ragwort, Hybrid Knapweed, Intermediate Burdock, Irish Fleabane, Jersey Cudweed, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lance-leaved Hawkweed, Lavender-cotton, Leafless Hawksbeard, Least Lettuce, Leopardplant, Leopardsbane, Leptinella, Lesser Burdock, Lesser Hawkbit, Lesser Sunflower, London Bur-marigold, Magellan Ragwort, Marsh Cudweed, Marsh Hawksbeard, Marsh Ragwort, Marsh Sow-thistle, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, Mexican Fleabane, Milk Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Musk Thistle, Narrow-leaved Cudweed, Narrow-leaved Hawkweed, Narrow-leaved Michaelmas Daisy, Narrow-leaved Ragwort, New England Hawkweed, New Zealand Holly, Nipplewort, Nodding Bur-marigold, Northern Hawksbeard, Norwegian Mugwort, Oxeye Daisy, Oxford Ragwort, Pearly Everlasting, Perennial Cornflower, Perennial Ragweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Perennial Sunflower, Pineapple Mayweed, Plantain-leaved Leopardsbane, Ploughman's Spikenard, Plymouth Thistle, Pontic Blue Sow-thistle, Pot Marigold, Prickly Lettuce, Prickly Sow-thistle, Purple Coltsfoot, Rayed Tansy, Red Star Thistle, Red-seeded Dandelion, Red-tipped Cudweed, Robin's Plantain, Roman Chamomile, Rough Cocklebur, Rough Hawkbit, Rough Hawksbeard, Russian Lettuce, Safflower, Salsify, Saw-wort, Scented Mayweed, Scentless Mayweed, Sea Aster, Sea Mayweed, Sea Wormwood, Seaside Daisy, Shaggy Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shaggy Soldier, Shasta Daisy, Shetland Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shrub Ragwort, Sicilian Chamomile, Silver Ragwort, Slender Mugwort, Slender Thistle, Small Cudweed, Small Fleabane, Smooth Cat's-ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth Sow-thistle, Sneezeweed, Sneezewort, Spear Thistle, Spotted Cat's-ear, Spotted Hawkweed, Sticky Groundsel, Stinking Chamomile, Stinking Hawksbeard, Tall Fleabane, Tall Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Tansy, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Trifid Bur-marigold, Tuberous Thistle, Tyneside Leopardplant, Viper's Grass, Wall Lettuce, Welsh Groundsel, Welted Thistle, White Butterbur, White Buttons, Willdenow's Leopardsbane, Winter Heliotrope, Wood Burdock, Wood Ragwort, Woody Fleabane, Woolly Thistle, Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Yellow Fox and Cubs, Yellow Oxeye, Yellow Star Thistle, Yellow Thistle, York Groundsel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Biennial
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, fields, grassland, heathland, meadows, rocky places, sand dunes, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, many petals
 
Solitary yellowish brown with ray-like pale yellow inner bracts, folding over in wet weather conditions. The leaf-like outer bracts are spiny.
Fruit:
A brown, hairy achene, 5mm long, with feathery hairs at the end.
Leaves:
Prickly leaves. The lower leaves are cottony. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. The lower leaves are stalked.
Other Names:
Common Carline Thistle, Weather Thistle.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Carlina vulgaris, also known as carline thistle, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. It is native to Europe and Asia, and is commonly found in dry, rocky areas and meadows. The plant has large, spiky leaves and a large, yellow or white flower head. It is known for its medicinal properties, the root of the plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and skin conditions. The plant is also used in folk medicine as a diuretic and to treat fever, and the seeds can be used to make a coffee substitute. It is also a protected species in some European countries, where it is considered as rare and it's habitat is threatened by human activities.

Blog

Carline Thistle: A Fascinating Wildflower

Have you ever come across a wildflower that has both beauty and medicinal properties? The Carline Thistle (Carlina vulgaris) is one such plant that offers both. This wildflower is native to Europe and Asia, and its scientific name, Carlina vulgaris, comes from the Latin word "Carline" meaning "thistle-like".

Carline Thistle is a striking plant with unique, spiny leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom from June to August. It stands out in the wild and adds a touch of beauty to any landscape. The yellow flowers are surrounded by the sharp, spiny leaves that make this plant look almost like a star. The flowers are loved by bees and butterflies, and its seeds are also an important food source for birds.

Not only is the Carline Thistle a beautiful plant, but it also has numerous medicinal properties. Its roots, leaves, and flowers have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. The plant contains compounds such as carvone, camphor, and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antispasmodic effects. In traditional medicine, Carline Thistle has been used to treat digestive problems, headaches, skin infections, and even asthma.

Despite its many benefits, the Carline Thistle is not widely cultivated and is considered a rare wildflower. This is because the plant is highly sensitive to environmental factors and can only grow in specific conditions. It thrives in well-drained soil, in full sun, and in areas where the temperature is cool.

The Carline Thistle is a beautiful and fascinating wildflower that is not only eye-catching but also has numerous medicinal properties. It is a reminder of the power of nature and the many benefits that plants can provide to our health and well-being. So next time you come across this stunning plant, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and its many benefits.

The Carline Thistle is not just an ordinary wildflower, it is also a symbol of resilience and survival. The plant is known to grow in tough and inhospitable conditions, such as rocky slopes and dry soils. Despite the harsh conditions, the Carline Thistle still manages to grow and thrive, which makes it an inspiring symbol of strength and perseverance.

The plant is also known for its long history of use in folk medicine. In many cultures, the Carline Thistle has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. Its roots, leaves, and flowers contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antispasmodic effects.

One of the most interesting uses of the Carline Thistle is as a natural remedy for digestive problems. The plant has been used to treat digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion. The compounds found in the plant are thought to help regulate digestion and soothe the digestive tract, making it an effective natural remedy for digestive problems.

Another use of the Carline Thistle is as a natural remedy for skin infections. The plant contains compounds that have antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, making it effective against various types of skin infections. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne, boils, and eczema.

Finally, the Carline Thistle is also used as a natural remedy for respiratory problems, such as asthma. The plant's anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties make it an effective natural remedy for asthma and other respiratory problems.

The Carline Thistle is a wildflower that is not just beautiful and fascinating, but also has numerous medicinal properties. It is a symbol of resilience, strength, and perseverance, and it has a long history of use in folk medicine. If you come across this stunning plant, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and its many benefits, and consider incorporating it into your natural health regimen.

In addition to its medicinal properties, the Carline Thistle is also an important plant for wildlife. The bright yellow flowers are loved by bees and butterflies, and the seeds are an important food source for birds. This makes the Carline Thistle a valuable addition to any wildflower garden, as it not only adds beauty to the landscape but also provides food and habitat for wildlife.

In terms of conservation, the Carline Thistle is considered a vulnerable species in some parts of its native range. This is due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as over-grazing by livestock. In order to conserve this valuable wildflower, it is important to protect its natural habitats, such as rocky slopes and dry soils, and to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment.

Finally, the Carline Thistle is also a valuable plant for florists and gardeners. The plant's unique and striking appearance makes it a popular choice for wildflower gardens and flower arrangements. The plant can be grown from seed, but it can be challenging to establish, as it is highly sensitive to environmental conditions.

The Carline Thistle has a rich cultural history and has been used in many different ways by different cultures throughout history. In some cultures, the plant was believed to have protective properties and was used to ward off evil spirits. In others, it was believed to have healing powers and was used in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

In terms of folklore, the Carline Thistle has been associated with a number of legends and myths. In one legend, the plant was said to have grown from the tears of a fairy who was mourning the death of her lover. In another, the plant was said to be the food of the mythical unicorn.

The Carline Thistle has also been used in art and literature throughout history. The plant's unique and striking appearance has inspired many artists, who have used it as a subject in their paintings and sculptures. Similarly, the plant has been referenced in literature, and its medicinal properties have been described in many herbals and botanical works.

In conclusion, the Carline Thistle is a wildflower that has a rich cultural history and has been used in many different ways throughout history. From its use in folk medicine and its association with legends and myths, to its representation in art and literature, the Carline Thistle is a fascinating and valuable plant that has played a significant role in human culture and history.


Video

Carline Thistle filmed at Scout Scar, Cumbria on the 16th July 2022.

 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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