Stemless carline thistle (Carlina acaulis, Sp. Pl.: 828 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 828 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carlina

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

The Stemless Carline Thistle, scientifically known as Carlina acaulis, is a unique member of the Asteraceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this remarkable species is characterized by its low-growing, stemless habit which distinguishes it from many other thistles.

Native to regions extending from Europe to the Caucasus, the Stemless Carline Thistle thrives in various habitats, often preferring calcareous grasslands and alpine pastures where it can bask in full sunlight. Its adaptability to different environments, from the lowland meadows of Western Europe to the rugged terrains of the Caucasus, underscores its resilient nature.

One of the most striking features of Carlina acaulis is its basal rosette of spiny, silvery-green leaves, which form a dense mat close to the ground. From the center of this rosette, a solitary, large flower head emerges, giving the plant its characteristic “stemless” appearance. The flower head itself is surrounded by spiny bracts and consists of numerous small, tubular florets that create a stunning display. Typically blooming from late summer to early autumn, these flowers attract a variety of pollinators, playing a vital role in the local ecosystem.

Historically, the Stemless Carline Thistle has been utilized for various purposes. In some cultures, it has been used in traditional medicine; the roots were particularly prized for their supposed healing properties. Additionally, the dried flower heads are often used in floral arrangements and as decorative elements due to their unique appearance and long-lasting nature.

Despite its enduring appeal and various uses, the Stemless Carline Thistle faces challenges in its natural habitat. Changes in land use, overgrazing, and habitat degradation pose threats to its populations. Conservation efforts are essential to protect this distinctive species and ensure it continues to grace the landscapes of Europe and the Caucasus for future generations.

In summary, Carlina acaulis is a fascinating plant with a rich history and an unmistakable presence in its native habitats. Whether admired for its botanical beauty, appreciated for its ecological role, or valued for its historical uses, the Stemless Carline Thistle remains a notable species within the diverse Asteraceae family.

Common Names

Swe: brokginst, häckkaragan, lyckobladsbuske, sötvedel, silvertistel
Nor: ertebusk, lakritsmelt
Deu: große eberwurz, silberdistel, silberdistel, wetterdistel
Fin: imeläkurjenherne, siperianhernepensas
Dan: sød astragel, ærtebusk
Eng: carline thistle, stemless carline thistle
Fra: carline à tige courte
Nob: sølvtistel
Nno: sølvtistel
En: Stemless carline thistle, Carline thistle, Dwarf Thistle, Silver Thistle, Stemless Carline, Stemless Carline-thistle
Sq: Ushojza pa kërcell
Ar: أداد عديم الساق
Eu: Eguzki-lore
Be: Урочнік бессцябловы
Hr: Vrijemekaz
Cs: Pupava bezlodyžná
Da: Sød Astragel, Ærtebusk
Nl: Zilverdistel
Eo: Sentiga arĝentokardo
Fi: Hopeakurho, Imeläkurjenherne, Siperianhernepensas
Fr: Carline à tige courte, Carline acaule, Carline des Alpes, Baromètre, Caméléon blanc, Carline sans tige, Chardon doré
De: Wetterdistel, Silberdistel, Große Eberwurz, Große Eberwurz, Silberdistel, Carldistel, Große Wetterdistel, Stengellose Eberwurz
Hu: Szártalan bábakalács
It: Carlina bianca, Carlopinto
Lt: Bestiebė karlina
Mk: Вилино сито
No: Ertebusk, Lakritsmelt
Nb: Sølvtistel
Nn: Sølvtistel
Pl: Dziewięćsił bezłodygowy
Ro: Ciurul zânelor
Ru: Колючник бесстебельный
Sr: Вилино сито
Sk: Krasovlas bezbyľový
Es: Carlina, Cardo de puerto, Cardo de san Pelegrin
Sv: Silvertistel, Brokginst, Häckkaragan, Lyckobladsbuske, Sötvedel
Uk: Відкасник безстебловий

Synonyms

• Carlina subacaulis var. acaulis (DC.)
• Carlina subacaulis (DC.)
• Carlina grandiflora (Moench)
• Chromatolepis acaulis ((L.) Dulac)
• Carlina officinalis (Bubani)
• Carlina chamaeleon (Vill.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by De March Cristiano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Heidi Hübner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2017 by Laurent Ledante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by mum mum (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by cre crescens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by drudru (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 11, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Anne Mauffret (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Kampf Robert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by pflantastisch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Alain Chanu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Ulrich Kie (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3105433)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:189213-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carlina acaulis L.)

Specifications

Growth