Carline Thistle
Carlina vulgaris
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Pl. 880D — Carlina vulgaris
Carlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgarisCarlina vulgaris
IOverview
Overview
Carline Thistle (Carlina vulgaris) is a biennial forb or herb native to regions including Albania, Austria, and various Baltic States, among others. Known for its edible flowers and documented medicinal uses, this plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH of 7–7.5. It grows up to 0.5 meters tall and is found across Europe, parts of Asia, and some northern countries like Norway and Finland. Its adaptability to different soil types and hardiness zones from 5-9 make it a versatile plant in cultivation. The light and dry to moist nature of the plant suggest it prefers well-drained conditions.
Quick answers
What is Carline Thistle?
Carline Thistle (Carlina vulgaris) is a biennial forb or herb native to regions including Albania, Austria, and various Baltic States, among others. Known for its edible flowers and documented medicinal uses, this plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH of 7–7.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used to soothe nervous tension.
Digestive Ease
digestiontea
Traditionally used to aid digestion and soothe the stomach.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Carline thistle thrives in light to medium soils with a pH of 7-7.5 and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers partial shade but will also grow well in full sun. Hardy in temperate regions, it is best suited for zones 5-9. This biennial plant reaches heights of about 0.5 meters and requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Propagate via seed sown directly in the garden bed during spring or fall. Harvest its edible flowers for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Carline Thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Carline Thistle as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall flowering.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, and prepare by mixing in compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 meters apart or transplant young plants into the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from strong winds if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and remove any weeds that compete for nutrients.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health and appearance; flowers can be harvested for decorative purposes.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to remove weeds.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: The Carline Thistle's flowers are edible and can be used in various ways. They are typically picked when fully open and may be eaten raw or cooked. Raw, they add a slightly bitter taste to salads, while cooked, they can be steamed or sautéed, offering a nutritious addition to dishes.
Other uses:Weather forecasting
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe23 regions
native (23)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranTurkeyTurkmenistan
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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