Golden thistle (Scolymus hispanicus, Sp. Pl.: 813 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 813 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scolymus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to W. Iran

Description

The plant commonly known as Golden thistle, scientifically referred to as Scolymus hispanicus, is a remarkable species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It was first described in the “Species Plantarum” on page 813 in the year 1753, and the plant description was authored by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.

Golden thistle is a distinctive and vibrant species originating from regions stretching from the Mediterranean to Western Iran. It is well-adapted to its native habitat, thriving in various climates and soil types found in this extensive area.

Golden thistle is particularly noted for its striking appearance. The plant boasts bright, yellow flowers that have a unique and attractive form, drawing the interest of botanists and gardeners alike. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystems where they naturally occur, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the environment.

In terms of structure, the Golden thistle is characterized by its robust thistle-like form, with spiny leaves that offer it protection from herbivores. This makes the plant resilient and hardy, capable of withstanding harsher conditions compared to more delicate flora.

Historically, Scolymus hispanicus has been studied for its various uses and benefits. It is sometimes referenced in traditional practices for its potential medicinal properties, although modern scientific verification of such uses continues to be an area of active research.

Cultivating Golden thistle in gardens requires consideration of its native growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and ample sunlight, replicating the sunny and often arid conditions of the Mediterranean and adjacent areas. With proper care, it can be a stunning addition to cultivated landscapes.

Overall, Golden thistle, or Scolymus hispanicus, represents a fascinating blend of beauty and resilience, encapsulating the diverse flora of its wide-ranging native habitats. Its bright flowers and distinctive form make it a subject of interest for both botanical study and ornamental gardening.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig guldtidsel, spansk guldtidsel
Ita: cardogna comune, cardo scolimo
Fra: chardon d’espagne, scolyme d’espagne, carduille, épine jaune
Eng: common goldenthistle, golden thistle, spanisg salsify, spanish golden thistle, spanish oyster-plant, spanish oysterplant, spanish salsify
Deu: goldwurzel, spanische golddistel, spanische goldmilchdistel, spanische goldwurzel
Sqi: rrëkuall
Swe: spansk taggfibbla
Spa: cardillo, tagarnina
Tur: i̇spanya altındiken
Bul: испански сколимус
Ukr: сколiмус iспанський
Heb: חוֹחַ סְפָרַדִּי, חוח ספרדי
Ara: سْكوليمُس إسْباني, شَوْكَة صَفْراء, صُنّارِيَّة
Cym: ffug-ysgallen felen
En: Golden thistle, Spanish oysterplant, Spanish salsify, Sunnariah, Common goldenthistle, Spanish oyster thistle, Common golden thistle, Spanisg Salsify, Spanish Golden Thistle, Spanish Oyster-plant
Sq: Rrëkuall
Ar: سكوليمس إسباني, سْكوليمُس إسْباني, شَوْكَة صَفْراء, صُنّارِيَّة
Bg: Испански сколимус
Ca: Cardellet, Card de moro
Da: Almindelig guldtidsel, Spansk guldtidsel
Fi: Espanjankultaohdake
Fr: Épine jaune, Carduille, Scolyme d’Espagne, Chardon d’Espagne
De: Goldwurzel, Spanische Golddistel, Spanische Goldmilchdistel, Spanische Goldwurzel
He: חוח ספרדי, חוֹחַ סְפָרַדִּי
It: Cardo scolimo, Cardaburdue, Cardogna comune, Scolimo
Fa: کنگر طلایی
Pt: Cangarinha, Cardo-de-ouro
Pt-br: Cardo-dourado, Cardo-dourado-espanhol
Es: Cardillo, Tagarnina, Cardo de olla, Cardellina, Cardillo bravío, Cardo lechar
Sv: Spansk taggfibbla
Tr: İspanya Altındiken
Uk: Сколімус іспанський, Сколiмус iспанський
Wa: Tcherdon d’ ôr d’ Espagne
Cy: Ffug-ysgallen felen

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 30, 2017 by Jenny Pohl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2018 by Rubén Gracia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Albert Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Heilmann Claudia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Jan Schulte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2018 by Rubén Gracia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Albert Romero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Gamero José (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Pascal Rougier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Jan Schulte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by fournier (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by geneve perma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by Mario Cannata (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by geneve perma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2016 by Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2022 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2019 by Karim BOUDANI (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.

Other

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2016 by Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5403742)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:243010-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scolymus hispanicus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 2

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 8