Alpine thistle (Carduus defloratus, Syst. Nat. ed. 10 2: 1200 (1759))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10 2: 1200 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carduus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

The Alpine thistle, known scientifically as Carduus defloratus, is a captivating species within the Asteraceae family, renowned for its robustness and striking appearance. This perennial herbaceous plant thrives predominantly in the mountainous regions of Europe, where it has become an iconic presence in alpine and subalpine meadows.

Characterized by its sturdy build, Carduus defloratus presents a notable disparity from other thistles with its relatively gentler spines and distinguished floral display. The plant typically boasts a central stem that can reach varying heights, adorned with elongated, lance-shaped leaves equipped with soft, yet defensively effective spines along the edges. The vibrant purple to pink flower heads, which bloom spectacularly from mid-summer to early autumn, are composed of numerous tubular florets. These inflorescences provide a vital nectar source for an array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby contributing significantly to the ecological dynamics of its habitat.

First formally described in 1759 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in the extensive “Systema Naturae,” the detailed classification offers profound insights into the plant’s biological nuances and taxonomic significance. The Alpine thistle continues to be a subject of botanical interest due to its resilience in harsh environmental conditions and its role in supporting mountain biodiversity.

This hardy plant is not merely a visual delight. For centuries, various cultures within Europe have explored its potential medicinal properties, utilizing different parts of the plant to concoct traditional remedies. Despite its rugged appearance, the Alpine thistle encapsulates a delicate balance within its ecological niche, standing as a testament to the intricate beauty and complexity of alpine flora.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-distel, berg-distel
En: Alpine thistle
Ca: Card deflorat
Fr: Chardon à pédoncules nus, Chardon décapité
De: Alpen-Distel, Berg-Distel, Langstielige Distel
It: Cardo dentellato
Sk: Bodliak sivastý

Synonyms

• Pternix deflorata ((L.) Hill)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 14, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2018 by Michele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2018 by Stefan Gerster (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Fabienne PAIRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by Rosana Polo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Aurélie D’huyvetter (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by Rosana Polo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by grutz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Lüdtke Allen Scott (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Nora Rapp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by victor waqué (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain LÉTRANGE (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Fruit

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Stéphane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2020 by Cristian Zanella Cristian Zanella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3114563)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:188581-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carduus defloratus L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 4