Alpen-kratzdistel (Cirsium spinosissimum, Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 2: 129 (1771))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Scop.

Bibliography: Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 2: 129 (1771)

Year: 1771

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cirsium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

The Alpen-kratzdistel, scientifically named Cirsium spinosissimum, is a captivating species belonging to the family Asteraceae. This distinctive plant is native to Europe, where it thrives in a variety of habitats across the continent.

First described in the publication Flora Carniolica, second edition, volume 2, on page 129 in the year 1771 by the author Scopoli, Cirsium spinosissimum garners interest for its particular features and adaptability to alpine regions. The remote and often challenging conditions of these environments highlight the plant’s resilience and specialized adaptations.

Characterized by its spiny foliage and hardy structure, the Alpen-kratzdistel is well-suited to mitigate the harsh climates and rugged soils of its native terrain. Its spines act as a defense mechanism against herbivores, ensuring its survival and continued proliferation in the wild.

Given its status within the Asteraceae family, Cirsium spinosissimum shares a lineage with many other thistles and daisy-like flowers, known for their composite flower structures. This plant family’s evolutionary success can be attributed to their particular floral arrangements and seed dispersal mechanisms, which enhance pollination and propagation.

In studying the Alpen-kratzdistel, botanists and nature enthusiasts alike can gain insights into the ecological roles and evolutionary strategies that plants employ in high-altitude environments. This understanding underscores the significance of biodiversity and the intricate web of life sustained within Europe’s mountainous landscapes.

Thus, Cirsium spinosissimum offers more than just its botanical charm; it serves as a testament to the enduring power and diversity of plant life naturally adapting and flourishing even in the most challenging conditions of our planet.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-kratzdistel
En: Alpen-Kratzdistel, Spiniest Thistle, Thorny Thistle
Nl: Dichtgestekelde Vederdistel
Fr: Cirse épineux, Cirse très épineux
De: Alpen-Kratzdistel
It: Cardo spinosissimo
: Alpen-kratzdistel

Synonyms

• Carthamus involucratus (Lam.)
• Cirsium spitzelii (Sch.Bip. ex Nyman)
• Carduus comosus (Lam.)
• Cnicus purpureus (Bertol.)
• Carduus glaber (Steud.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Carlo Bottero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2019 by Christophe Leray (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2018 by Robert Petermann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2018 by Wolfgang Jauch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2022 by Denis Bettella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2018 by Tom Coleman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2006 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Noël Stremsdoerfer (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 5, 2015 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2015 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by gatto. gatto. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2015 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8322056)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:196038-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cirsium spinosissimum (L.) Scop.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 8