Acanthifolia Carlina (Carlina acanthifolia)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Carlina acanthifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Flowering head - cooked. Used as a globe artichoke substitute, though they are considerably smaller and even more fiddly. — Flowering head - cooked.; Used as a globe artichoke substitute, though they are considerably smaller and even more fiddly.

Habitat & North American Range

Stony places, pastures and rocks on poor soils in mountainous areas. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)