Common Star Thistle
Centaurea calcitrapa
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Pl. 61E9 — Centaurea calcitrapa
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IOverview
Overview
Common Star Thistle, scientifically known as Centaurea calcitrapa, is a biennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, the Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. It thrives in various soils—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and requires full sun with both dry and moist conditions. This thistle can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to some culinary practices. Its native range extends across Central Asia and Eastern Europe, from the Caucasus to Turkey and parts of West Asia. Common Star Thistle's distinctive feature lies in its star-shaped spines that cover the plant, providing a unique appearance.
Quick answers
What is Common Star Thistle?
Common Star Thistle, scientifically known as Centaurea calcitrapa, is a biennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, the Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. It thrives in various soils—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and requires full sun with both dry and moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Star Thistle thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions but generally does best with moderate watering. This biennial plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and produces edible leaves. Given its native range across temperate regions, it is hardy in these areas. Propagate via seed for the best results.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Star Thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Common Star Thistle for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Common Star Thistle.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil, either in the ground or a pot. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep and about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the roots, but ensure the soil is not bone dry.
- 6
Ongoing care
Common Star Thistle thrives with minimal water and no fertilization. Keep weeds at bay by hand weeding.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged parts to maintain the plant's health, but avoid cutting back too much as it may affect flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using fertilizers, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Common Star Thistle are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations. They are typically eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe9 regions
native (9)AlbaniaBelarusBulgariaCyprusGreeceRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia10 regions
native (10)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanPakistanPalestineTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Kirgizstan, Transcaucasus, West Himalaya, Tadzhikistan, Turkey-in-Europe, East Aegean Is., Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 61e9b09d-24db-43b8-a5dd-4b059a238c3e
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