Illyrian thistle (Onopordum illyricum, Sp. Pl.: 827 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 827 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Onopordum

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Europe to W. Iran

Description

The Illyrian thistle, scientifically named Onopordum illyricum, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family, a grouping renowned for its diverse and varied species. First documented in 1753, this thistle was classified by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus, who is often referred to simply as “L.” in scholarly texts.

This striking plant has a robust presence in southern Europe, extending its range all the way to western Iran. Its ability to thrive across such a broad geographical region is a testament to its adaptability and resilience.

Similar to other members of the Asteraceae family, Onopordum illyricum features the characteristic inflorescence structure, commonly known as a flower head. This composite arrangement presents numerous small flowers clustered together, often giving the appearance of a single flower. The Illyrian thistle’s flower heads are typically surrounded by spiny bracts, making them a distinctive and formidable sight in their natural habitats.

This thistle is recognized not only for its ecological role but also for its impressive stature and the visual impact it makes in the landscapes it inhabits. While details on its specific uses or cultural significance might not be extensively documented, the Illyrian thistle undoubtedly plays a part in the local biodiversity, supporting various pollinators and contributing to the ecological fabric of its regions.

The historical and botanical significance of Onopordum illyricum is rooted in its ongoing presence within the flora of southern Europe to western Iran, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Linnaeus’s work and the continued exploration of plant species across different territories. This evocative thistle, with its unique characteristics and broad native range, remains an intriguing subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: illyrian cottonthistle, illyrian thistle
Deu: illyrische eselsdistel
Dan: illyrisk æselfoder
Swe: grenig ulltistel
En: Illyrian thistle, Illyrian cottonthistle
Ca: Cardot il·líric
Hr: Magareće zelje
Da: Illyrisk æselfoder
Fi: Illyriankruunuohdake
Fr: Onopordon d’Illyrie, Onoporde d’illyrie
De: Illyrische Eselsdistel, Illyrische Wegdistel
It: Onopordo maggiore
Pt-br: Cardo-ilírico
Es: Cardo borriquero, Toba
Sv: Grenig ulltistel

Synonyms

• Onopordum acanthium subsp. illyricum ((L.))

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by j B (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2017 by Mehmet Basbag (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Marie PAGNIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Benito Soto Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by j B (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Belloufa Ahmed (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Chatenet Alain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 17, 2020 by georges adassovsky (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by j B (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 24, 2020 by mounir hentati (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by full_spectrum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Luppi Dario (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude BOUZAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 15, 1988 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:235304-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3094910)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Onopordum illyricum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 2

Soil nutriments: 7