Carthamus lanatus - Woolly Distaff Thistle

Explore Carthamus lanatus (Woolly Distaff Thistle) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Carthamus lanatus | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Woolly Distaff Thistle, Downy Safflower, Woolly Thistle, Saffron Thistle

Family: Asteraceae

Appearance: An annual thistle with a woolly, silvery appearance due to dense, matted hairs covering its stems and leaves. It produces spiny lobed leaves and bright yellow flower heads that resemble small artichokes.

Type: Annual

Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A

Layer: Herbaceous

Root System: Deep taproot that helps access water in dry soils

Height: 0.2–0.8 meters

Width: 0.2–0.6 meters

Lifespan: One season (annual)

Growth Rate: Rapid

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Attracts bees and other pollinators

Toxicity: Not considered toxic

Carthamus lanatus | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

Native Range: Mediterranean region, North Africa, Western Asia
Companionship: Found in disturbed soils and dry pastures, often with other pioneer herbs and grasses
Invasive Range: Considered invasive in parts of Australia and California
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Low to moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate post-fire regrowth potential

Thriving Conditions

Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils (6.5–8.0)

Propagation

Seeds: Propagated by seeds. Germinates readily with the onset of autumn or winter rains
Cuttings: Not applicable

Carthamus lanatus | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: An edible oil is obtained from the seed

Medicinal: Traditional use for treating bruises, menstrual issues, and inflammation; related species used similarly

Cosmetics: No known cosmetic use

Animal Feed: Not suitable due to spiny nature

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not applicable

Wind Break: Not suitable

Fence: Not suitable

Cover Crop: Not used

Mulch: Not used

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Attracts bees and beneficial insects

Pest Repellent: Not known as a pest repellent

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for insects; limited wildlife use due to spines

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