Carlina vulgaris

Carlina vulgaris

Carlina vulgaris, commonly known as the Carline thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, where it typically grows in dry, calcareous soils, often in grasslands and meadows.

Description

Carlina vulgaris is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The plant has a rosette of spiny, deeply lobed leaves at its base, with a single, erect stem that bears a solitary flower head. The flower head is surrounded by spiny bracts and contains numerous yellowish florets. The plant blooms from July to September.

Habitat and Distribution

Carlina vulgaris prefers dry, well-drained soils and is commonly found in calcareous grasslands, meadows, and heathlands. It is widely distributed across Europe, from the British Isles to Russia, and extends into parts of Asia.

Ecology

The flowers of Carlina vulgaris are pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The plant is also a food source for the larvae of certain Lepidoptera species.

Uses

Historically, Carlina vulgaris has been used in traditional medicine for its purported medicinal properties. The roots were sometimes used as a remedy for various ailments, although its use has declined in modern times.

Conservation Status

Carlina vulgaris is not currently considered to be at risk, although its habitat is threatened by changes in land use, such as the conversion of grasslands to agricultural or urban areas.

Related Pages

• Asteraceae
• Grasslands
• Pollination
• Traditional medicine