Carline Thistle (Carlina vulgaris)

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

Carlina vulgaris is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

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

Poor soils on dry banks and pastures, especially on chalk. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)