Pyrenean thistle (Carduus carlinoides, Ill. Observ. Bot.: 62 (1773))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Gouan

Bibliography: Ill. Observ. Bot.: 62 (1773)

Year: 1773

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carduus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Pyrenees to NW. Spain

Description

The Pyrenean thistle, scientifically known as Carduus carlinoides, is a fascinating species belonging to the family Asteraceae. First documented in 1773 by the botanist Antoine Gouan in “Illustrationes et observationes botanicae”, this thistle stands out due to its distinct appearance and habitat.

Native to the rugged regions of the Pyrenees and extending to the northwestern areas of Spain, the Pyrenean thistle thrives in these mountainous landscapes. It is adapted to the rocky and nutrient-poor soils of these regions, which shape its unique characteristics.

Characterized by its sturdy, spiny stems and sharp, lobed leaves, Carduus carlinoides makes a striking impression in its native environment. The plant also boasts vivid purple flower heads, typical of the thistle family, that bloom during the late spring and summer seasons. These blossoms not only add a splash of color to the mountainous terrain but also attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the local ecological diversity.

Understanding the distribution and ecological role of the Pyrenean thistle is crucial for the conservation of the delicate ecosystems where it resides. The species’ resilience in harsh environments highlights the intricate balance of nature and the importance of preserving its native habitats.

In summary, Carduus carlinoides, or the Pyrenean thistle, is a remarkable plant anchored in the history and natural beauty of the Pyrenees to Northwestern Spain. Its botanical attributes and ecological significance make it a subject of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

En: Pyrenean Thistle
Ca: Card carlinoide
Fr: Chardon fausse carline

Synonyms

Distribution

• France (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 11, 2019 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2020 by Christian BORDENAVE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2019 by Gabriel Mayrhofer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Gilles Gilles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 11, 2019 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2019 by Guido Lek (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2019 by Thomas NEVERS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Jean-Luc Durand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7847528)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:188503-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carduus carlinoides Gouan)

Specifications

Growth