Golden star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis, Sp. Pl.: 917 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 917 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Centaurea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to C. Asia and Iran, Arabian Pen.

Description

Golden star thistle, scientifically known as Centaurea solstitialis, is a fascinating plant species first mentioned in the seminal botanical work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the noted naturalist Carl Linnaeus. This species belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is notable for its diversity and wide distribution.

Originating from Europe, Central Asia, and Iran, the golden star thistle has also found its way to the Arabian Peninsula. This wide geographical range contributes to its adaptability and resilience in various climates. It’s recognized by its distinctive yellow flower heads, which bloom prominently during the summer months and resemble golden stars, lending the plant its common name.

The golden star thistle is typically found in dry, sunny habitats where it can thrive with minimal water. This hardy nature makes it both an interesting and sometimes problematic species, as it can become invasive in certain environments outside its native range. Its prickly appearance and robust growth can outcompete local flora, leading to concerns among ecologists about its impact on native ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, the golden star thistle also plays a role in local ecosystems. Pollinators, particularly bees, are attracted to its bright blossoms, highlighting the interconnectedness of this plant with its environment. Understanding and managing its spread remain crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.

In summary, the golden star thistle is a species with a rich history and dynamic presence across multiple continents. Its adaptability and distinct beauty underscore its significance within the plant kingdom, while also posing interesting challenges for ecologists working to balance its presence within various ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: barneby star thistle, st. barnaby’s thistle, yellow star-thistle, geeldissel, golden star thistle, yellow centaury, yellow cockspur, yellow star thistle, yellow starthistle, barnaby starthistle, saint barnaby’s thistle, st barnaby’s thistle
Deu: sonnenwend-flockenblume, sonnwend-flockenblume
Dan: tornet knopurt
Fra: centaurée du solstice
Ces: chrpa žlutá
Est: kiirjas jumikas
Swe: stjärnklint
Nld: zomercentaurie
Cym: y bengaled felen, ysgallen seraidd felen
En: Golden star thistle, Geeldissel, Yellow centaury, Yellow cockspur, Barneby star thistle, St. Barnaby’s thistle, Yellow star thistle, Yellow star-thistle, Yellow starthistle, Barnaby’s thistle, Barnaby starthistle, Saint Barnaby’s thistle, St Barnaby’s Thistle
Ar: مرار (مُرار)، مرير (مُرير), مرير (مُريْر)، مرور (مرّور), قنطريون صيفي
Az: Günəbaxanvari güləvər
Bg: Средиземноморска метличина
Ca: Floravia, Blanquiella
Zh: 黄星蓟
Cs: Chrpa žlutá
Da: Tornet knopurt
Nl: Zomercentaurie
Et: Kiirjas jumikas
Fi: Keltaorakaunokki
Fr: Centaurée du solstice, Auriole, Chardon doré
De: Sonnwend-Flockenblume, Sonnenwend-Flockenblume, Sommer-Flockenblume
He: דרדר אביבי
Hu: Sáfrányos imola
It: Calcatreppole, Fiordaliso giallo, Spino giallo
Oc: Auriòla
Fa: گل گندم زرد
Pt-br: Centáurea-amarela-estrelado
Sk: Panevädza letná
Es: Abrepuño, Cardo amarillo, Abremanos, Abrepuño amarillo
Sv: Stjärnklint
Zh-hant: 黃星薊
Uk: Волошка сонячна
Wa: Tcherdon d’ ôr
Cy: Y bengaled felen, Ysgallen Seraidd Felen

Synonyms

• Solstitiaria solstitialis ((L.) Hill.)
• Setachna solstitialis ((L.) Dulac)
• Leucantha solstitialis ((L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Cyanus solstitialis ((L.) J.Presl & C.Presl)
• Seridia solstitialis ((L.) Sweet)
• Calcitrapa solstitialis ((L.) Lam.)
• Triplocentron solstitiale ((L.) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuwait (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Oman (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Kirgizstan (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by jean-marc Nouguier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2017 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2017 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Cahit Doğan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2017 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by econyashka Таня (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Emre Karaca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Ana Gil Montoya (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by jean-marc Nouguier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by jean-jacques kelner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2019 by zmei (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 9, 2014 by EOL − c michael hogan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 2, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Nelly Ivens (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/3128888)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:191626-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Centaurea solstitialis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 2

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6