Globe thistle (Echinops ritro, Sp. Pl.: 815 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 815 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Echinops

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Mongolia and Türkiye

Description

The Globe thistle, scientifically known as Echinops ritro, is an intriguing and visually captivating perennial plant that boasts a unique spherical floral structure. First documented in the 1753 publication “Species Plantarum” by L., this resilient species is an exemplary member of the Asteraceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and widespread flora.

Globe thistles are native to a broad and diverse geographic range, spanning from Europe through Mongolia and Türkiye. This extensive habitat demonstrates the plant’s adaptability and hardiness in various climates and terrains. Characterized by its distinctive globe-shaped flower heads composed of numerous small, tubular florets, the thistle’s blooms typically present in shades of vivid blue to purplish hues, making it a standout in any garden or natural setting.

Growing to an approximate height of one meter, the Globe thistle features spiky, grey-green foliage that adds to its ornamental appeal. The leaves are deeply lobed and can have a somewhat prickly texture, offering a contrast to the plant’s otherwise rounded floral arrangement. This combination of spiny leaves and spherical flower heads gives it a unique aesthetic that is both robust and delicate.

Ecologically, Echinops ritro plays a valuable role in the environment. The plant is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health and sustainability of the local ecosystems where it is found. Gardeners appreciate the Globe thistle not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its low maintenance demands and drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and sustainable gardening practices.

Moreover, the Globe thistle’s ability to thrive in poor soil conditions further adds to its versatility and popularity among gardening enthusiasts. It is ideally planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil, where it can flourish with minimal intervention. When in bloom during summer months, the plant provides lasting interest and color, even as many other perennials begin to fade.

In summary, Echinops ritro, or Globe thistle, is a resilient and visually striking perennial plant celebrated for its unique spherical flowers, adaptability, and ecological benefits. Its broad native range from Europe to Mongolia and Türkiye underlines its robustness and environmental value, making it an asset to both natural habitats and cultivated gardens around the world.

Common Names

Deu: blaue kugeldistel
Eng: globe thistle, small globe thistle, southern globethistle
En: Globe thistle, Small globe thistle, Southern globethistle, Southern Globe-thistle
Ar: قنفذي أزرق
Hy: Ոզնագլխիկ սովորական
Az: Adi toppuztikan
Bg: Бодлив челядник
Ca: Cardet de sang, Panical blau
Zh: 硬叶蓝刺头
Cs: Bělotrn modrý, Bělotrn modrý ukrajinský
Da: Glat Tidselkugle
Et: Sinine mesiohakas
Fi: Okapallo-ohdake, Otapallo-ohdake
Fr: Azurite, Oursin bleu, Boule-d’azur, Boulette à petite tête, Chardon bleu, Échinops
De: Ruthenische Kugeldistel, Blaue Kugeldistel, Glattblättrige Kugeldistel, Ritro-Kugeldistel
It: Cardo-pallottola coccodrillo
Ml: എക്കിനോപ്സ് റിട്രോ
Os: Пакасæрсындз
Fa: شکرتیغال جنوبی
Ru: Мордовник обыкновенный
Sr: Плави чичак
Sk: Ježibaba belasá
Es: Cardo yesquero, Navadni bodoglavec
Zh-hant: 硬葉藍刺頭

Synonyms

• Echinopus ritro ((L.) Scop.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• New York (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Berta Semar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2017 by Laurent Ledante (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2017 by Laurent Ledante (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 26, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Chas Woods (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Lisa Giovannoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by ans verschuren (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2016 by Sophie Mary (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Justin Collard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Ольга Ихсанова (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Fabrice Bourriquet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Mandalorian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (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.

© 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/5392950)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:202652-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Echinops ritro L.)

Specifications

Growth