Distaff Thistle (Carthamnus lanatus)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. This species is a potentially serious pest plant in N. America.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in gentle heat in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in April/May but plants may not then mature their seed.
Edible uses
An edible oil is obtained from the seed.
Medicinal uses
The plant is anthelmintic, diaphoretic and febrifuge.
Material uses
An oil is obtained from the seed, though the report gives no more details[K].
Habitat
Amongst rocks, in dry hills and uncultivated ground.
Native range
S. Europe. A casual in Britain.