Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 857 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Xeranthemum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to C. Asia and Iran
Description
Immortelle, known scientifically as Xeranthemum annuum, is a mesmerizing plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This perennial herb, celebrated for its enduring beauty, derives its name “Immortelle” from its outstanding ability to retain its vibrant appearance long after being harvested.
Native to a broad range from Europe to Central Asia and extending into Iran, Immortelle thrives in a variety of landscapes. It has adapted remarkably to different environments, making it a versatile species for gardeners and botanists.
The plant was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, Species Plantarum. Since then, its distinct characteristics have captivated plant enthusiasts and researchers alike. Immortelle is particularly noted for its striking, papery flower heads that come in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white. These blossoms are often used in floral arrangements and crafts owing to their long-lasting nature.
Besides its ornamental allure, the Immortelle is known for its ecological significance. It contributes to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits and offers sustenance to various pollinators. The ease of cultivation and the plant’s ability to endure tough climatic conditions make it a popular choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their garden with minimal effort.
Xeranthemum annuum represents a blend of beauty, resilience, and historical significance, echoing the rich environments of its native regions across Europe and into Asia. Whether appreciated for its ornamental value or studied for its ecological role, this plant continues to be a fascinating subject within the botanical world.
Common Names
Deu: einjährige spreublume, einjährige papierblume
Dan: papirblomst
Fra: xéranthème annuel
Eng: immortelle
Swe: pappersblomster
En: Immortelle
Az: Birillik süpürgəgülü
Bg: Обикновено безсмъртниче
Zh: 干花菊
Cs: Suchokvět roční
Da: Papirblomst
Fr: Xéranthème annuel
De: Einjährige Papierblume, Einjährige Spreublume, Einjährige Strohblume
Hu: Vasvirág
It: Erba della Quaglia, Perpetuini maggiori
Pl: Suchokwiat roczny
Ru: Сухоцвет однолетний
Sv: Pappersblomster
Zh-tw: 干花菊
Uk: Безсмертки однорічні
Synonyms
- Xeranthemum radiatum var. pictum (Boiss.)
- Xeranthemum inodorum (Moench)
- Xeranthemum squarrosum var. unicolor (Boiss.)
- Xeranthemum ornatum (Cass.)
- Xeranthemum oleifolium (Cav.)
- Xeranthemum annettae (Kalen.)
- Xeranthemum radiatum (Lam.)
- Xeranthemum squarrosum (Boiss.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Kirgizstan (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Switzerland (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Marie-Hélène Passelaigues (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Amine Sultan Seyhan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2019 by Goat’s Table (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2021 by florapansy (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 19, 2020 by Pierre Sosson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Bogdan Nesic (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Krampl Tomáš (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2022 by Oktay Meriç (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 18, 2021 by abc d (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
© 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)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:260959-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7956743)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Xeranthemum annuum L.)
