Slender thistle (Carduus tenuiflorus, Fl. Londin. 6: t. 55)

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Curtis

Bibliography: Fl. Londin. 6: t. 55

Year: 2004

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carduus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, NW. Africa, Europe

Description

Slender thistle, scientifically known as Carduus tenuiflorus, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. This striking weed is recognized for its slender and somewhat prickly appearance, making it a distinctive sight in its natural habitats.

Widely distributed, slender thistle thrives across several regions such as Macaronesia, Northwest Africa, and various parts of Europe. Its adaptability to diverse climates and soils contributes to its wide presence and sometimes prolific growth. These regions provide the ideal conditions for Carduus tenuiflorus to flourish, often populating wastelands, roadsides, and fields.

The plant is characterized by its erect, branching stems and narrow, spiny leaves. The overall structure of the slender thistle gives it a somewhat delicate yet resilient look. During the blooming season, it produces clusters of small, purple-flowered heads that contribute to its ornamental appeal albeit being a weed.

The slender thistle is documented in Curtis’s botanical work “Flora Londinensis,” specifically in volume 6 under the illustration t. 55. This comprehensive account provides a foundation for understanding the plant’s morphology and classification within the botanical taxonomy.

In terms of ecological impact, slender thistle can pose challenges in agriculture due to its invasive nature. However, it also plays a role in the ecosystem by providing a food source for certain insects and serving as a part of the natural floral diversity.

Understanding Carduus tenuiflorus, from its botanical characteristics to its environmental interactions, offers valuable insights into its role and presence in the ecosystems where it resides.

Common Names

Deu: dünnköpfige distel, schmalköpfige distel
Eng: italian thistle, winged plumeless thistle, sheep thistle, shore thistle, slender thistle, slender-flower thistle, slender-flowered thistle, slenderflower thistle, winged slender thistle, winged thistle, seaside thistle
Por: cardo
Spa: cardo
Fra: chardon à capitules grêles
Nld: tengere distel
Swe: smaltistel
Cym: ysgal penfainedd, ysgall blodfain, ysgall glan y môr, ysgallen flodfain, ysgallen mân-flodeuog
Gla: feochadán caol
Nno: smaltistel
Nob: smaltistel
En: Slender thistle, Slender-flower thistle, Sheep thistle, Shore thistle, Winged slender thistle, Winged thistle, Winged plumeless thistle, Slender Thisle, Italian thistle, Slender-flowered thistle, Slenderflower thistle, Seaside Thistle
Ar: لسان رفيع الزهرة
Nl: Tengere distel
Fi: Hoikkamykerökarhiainen, Hoikkakarhiainen
Fr: Chardon à petits capitules, Chardon à capitules grêles, Carchofle, Chardon à petites fleurs
De: Dünnköpfige Distel, Schmalköpfige Distel, Kleinblütige Distel
Ga: Feochadán caol
It: Cardo minore
Nb: Smaltistel
Nn: Smaltistel
Pt: Cardo
Gd: Feochadán caol
Es: Cardo
Sv: Smaltistel
Cy: Ysgallen flodfain, Ysgal Penfainedd, Ysgall Blodfain, Ysgall Glan y Môr, Ysgallen Mân-Flodeuog

Synonyms

• Carduus pycnocephalus var. tenuiflorus ((Curtis) Ball)
• Carduus tenuiflorus var. stenolepis (Willk.)
• Carduus pycnocephalus subsp. tenuiflorus ((Curtis) Batt.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by carmona cristian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Hélène (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2021 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2021 by Marsen Matressa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (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.

Bark

Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by M. capitale (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

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

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by S100 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2021 by S100 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Manuel Barón (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Sans Attaches (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2006 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 31, 1871 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2020 by Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3114627)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:189106-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carduus tenuiflorus Curtis)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 7