Stemless Carline Thistle (Carlina acaulis)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Carlina acaulis is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. 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: Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Flowering head - cooked. Used as a globe artichoke substitute, though they are considerably smaller and even more fiddly. The fleshy centre of the plant is edible. Does this refer to the peeled stem?. Root. No more details are given. — Flowering head - cooked.; Used as a globe artichoke substitute, though they are considerably smaller and even more fiddly.; The fleshy centre of the plant is edible.; Does this refer to the peeled stem?.

Habitat & North American Range

Poor soils in dry sandy pastures and on rocky slopes, especially on limestone. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)