Carlina acanthifolia
Carlina acanthifoliafam. Asteraceae
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Pl. 913D — Carlina acanthifolia
Carlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifoliaCarlina acanthifolia
IOverview
Overview
Carlina acanthifolia, commonly known as the spiny carlina, is a perennial plant native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. Known for its edible flowers, Carlina acanthifolia is also valued for its ornamental qualities due to its distinctive spiny leaves. Its hardiness ranges from zones 4-8, allowing it to flourish in various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Carlina acanthifolia?
Carlina acanthifolia, commonly known as the spiny carlina, is a perennial plant native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Carlina acanthifolia thrives in light to medium soils and can tolerate heavy clay as well. It prefers a pH between 7 and 7.5 and is hardy from zones 4 to 8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial requires dry to moist conditions and full sun to partial shade. For cultivation, plant the flowers in light sandy or loamy soil, ensuring good drainage. Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Skip mulching as it may retain too much moisture. Propagate by division in spring or from seeds sown in autumn.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Carlina acanthifolia for the first time
6steps
Start with planting Carlina acanthifolia in a sunny spot, and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Carlina acanthifolia seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, and prepare by loosening the soil with a fork.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in rows 30 cm apart, covering them lightly with soil. For transplants, space plants about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the newly planted Carlina acanthifolia regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: The flowers of Carlina acanthifolia are edible and can be used fresh or dried. They are typically eaten raw in salads for their mild, slightly bitter flavor. Skip the cooking process to preserve their delicate taste.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native
Europe9 regions
native (9)AlbaniaBulgariaFranceGreeceItalyPolandRomaniaSpainUkraine
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 913dbf1d-4f98-439c-aa34-a9dbc9ff8818
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