Carline thistle (Carlina vulgaris, Sp. Pl.: 828, errata [1231] (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 828, errata [1231] (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carlina

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Iran

Description

The Carline thistle, scientifically known as Carlina vulgaris, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This distinctive species is distributed across a wide geographical range, extending from Europe all the way to Iran. Recognized and documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

Carlina vulgaris is typically found in dry, calcareous habitats, often adorning pastures, grasslands, and rocky slopes with its unique presence. The plant features a noticeable rosette of spiny leaves, which close at night or in wet weather to protect the inner florets. Its stem is erect and bears densely packed, golden-brown flower heads that mimic the appearance of thistles. These captivating flowers bloom from July to September, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Apart from its striking appearance, the Carline thistle has also played a role in traditional medicine. Historically, its root was believed to possess medicinal properties, and it was often used to treat various ailments, although this use has largely fallen out of favor with the advent of modern medicine.

In ecological terms, Carlina vulgaris contributes to the biodiversity of its native habitats. The plant’s ability to thrive in poor soil conditions makes it an important species for maintaining the ecological balance, especially in areas where other vegetation may struggle to survive.

Despite its resilience, the Carline thistle faces challenges from habitat loss and changes in land use. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that this unique plant continues to grace its native landscapes. Preservation of its natural habitats can help maintain not only the Carline thistle but also the myriad of life forms that depend on it.

In summary, the Carline thistle (Carlina vulgaris) is a noteworthy species within the Asteraceae family, distinguished by its spiny leaves, golden-brown flowers, and historic medicinal uses. This plant’s presence across Europe and Iran is a testament to its adaptability and ecological importance. Preserving its natural habitats is crucial for sustaining the biodiversity and ecological health of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Dan: bakketidsel
Eng: carline thistle
Deu: gemeine golddistel, golddistel, kleine eberwurz, golddistel
Nor: bergtistel, evertistel
Fra: carline vulgaire
Nld: driedistel
Swe: spåtistel, stjärntistel
Nob: stjernetistel
Nno: stjernetistel
Cym: ellast, ellast cyffredin, ellast y bryniau, ysgall siarl, ysgallen ddrainwen, ysgallen siarl
Gla: feochadán mín
Kat: ნარისჯაგა
En: Carline thistle
Ar: أداد شائع
Az: Аdi yumаqоtu
Be: Урочнік звычайны
Bg: Обикновена решетка
Ca: Carlina petita
Cs: Pupava obecná
Da: Bakketidsel
Nl: Driedistel
Et: Harilik keelikurohi
Fi: Ketokurho
Fr: Carline commune, Chardon doré, Carline vulgaire
Ka: Ნარისჯაგა
De: Gemeine Eberwurz, Gemeine Golddistel, Golddistel, Kleine Eberwurz, Kleine Eberwurz, Golddistel, Gewöhnliche Eberwurz
It: Carlina comune
Lt: Paprastoji karlina
No: Bergtistel, Evertistel
Nb: Stjernetistel
Nn: Stjernetistel
Pl: Dziewięćsił pospolity
Ro: Ciulin auriu
Gd: Feochadán mín
Sk: Krasovlas obyčajný
Es: Carlina vulgar, Navadna kompava
Sv: Spåtistel, Stjärntistel
Cy: Ysgallen Siarl, Ellast, Ellast Cyffredin, Ellast y Bryniau, Ysgall Siarl, Ysgallen Ddrainwen

Synonyms

• Carlina vulgaris var. uniflora (Gaudin)
• Carlina vulgaris f. humilliana (T.Wulff)
• Carlina vulgaris var. glabrata (Iverus)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

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 Dec 19, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2021 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2022 by LaXurri_ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 10, 2021 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2021 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Alfredo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2020 by severine bergerot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 1, 2022 by Winnie Fouassin-de Menten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2019 by Thomas Jumez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 21, 2018 by Catherine Bouvard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)

Taken Feb 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2022 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Radu Nicolau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Thierry Launay (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:189321-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3105380)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carlina vulgaris L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 3