Acanthus-leaved carline-thistle (Carlina acanthifolia, Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 15 (1773))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 15 (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carlina

Vegetable: False

Observations: France to Italy

Description

The Acanthus-leaved carline-thistle, scientifically known as Carlina acanthifolia, is a remarkable and distinct member of the Asteraceae family. This plant, first described by All. in 1773 in “Auct. Syn. Meth. Stirp. Hort. Regii Taur.: 15,” stands out for its unique morphological traits and geographical presence.

A native to the regions stretching from France to Italy, the Acanthus-leaved carline-thistle thrives in these southern European landscapes. This robust perennial herb is particularly noted for its large, spiny, acanthus-like leaves which are reminiscent of the Acanthus plant, a characteristic feature that significantly contributes to its common name. The adaptation of its leaves not only aids in reducing herbivory but also helps the plant to conserve water, making it well-suited to the Mediterranean climate.

The Carlina acanthifolia produces striking yellowish-brown flower heads which can often become focal points in their natural habitats due to their size and unique appearance. These flowers are typically surrounded by chaffy scales which, when in bloom, give a thistle-like appearance that adds to the plant’s aesthetic and ecological allure. Unlike other thistles, however, the flowers of Carlina acanthifolia exhibit a more refined texture and sheen that makes them particularly appealing both in the wild and in cultivated gardens.

Ecologically, the Acanthus-leaved carline-thistle plays a role in supporting local pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat. Its presence in native gardens, aside from ornamental uses, can enhance the ecological health by promoting pollinator activities and providing structure to garden ecosystems.

In summary, Carlina acanthifolia, the Acanthus-leaved carline-thistle, exemplifies the beauty and complexity of Mediterranean flora. Its distinctive leaves and flowers, historical botanical description, and the geographical range from France to Italy all contribute to its unique status within the Asteraceae family.

Common Names

Deu: acanthusblättrige eberwurz, akanthusblättrige eberwurz
Swe: akantustistel
Fra: carline à feuilles d’acanthe, chardonsoleil
En: Acanthus-leaved Carline-thistle
Ca: Carlina
Fi: Akanttikurho
Fr: Chardonsoleil, Carline à feuilles d’acanthe, Cardabelle, Chardon baromètre, Chardousse, Pinchinelle
De: Akanthusblättrige Eberwurz, Acanthusblättrige Eberwurz, Dornrose, Sonenrose, Wetterrosen
It: Carlina zolfina
Sv: Akantustistel
: Espanta brujas

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Laurent Thromas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Céline Gouzon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2018 by fossas russell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2019 by López Figueroa Felix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2017 by Presque Presque (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by robert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Dimitrov (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2020 by MHvdW (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Maxime Gamis (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie-France PETIBON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by Sébastien Sébastien DARRAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Jean-Christophe Lebrun (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Busturia Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 11, 2020 by Sabaté Sant Jordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2020 by Sabaté Sant Jordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Alain Champrigaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by Sandrine SEBERT (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3105419)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60466717-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carlina acanthifolia All.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3