Carlina vulgaris L.

Taprooted biennial to 4(–7) dm, arachnoid-tomentose to subglabrous, simple or more often freely branched, the heads terminating the branches; lvs to 10(–15) cm, the lower tapering to a petiolar base, the others broadly sessile; stem not winged; invol 2–2.5 cm, the outer bracts like reduced lvs, the inner with long, slender, acuminate, brightly stramineous, eventually spreading tip; fls purple; achenes 3–4 mm; pappus 1 cm; 2n=20. Native of Europe, now well established as a weed in pastures and old fields near Ithaca, N.Y. and in nw. N.J., and to be expected elsewhere. Aug.

It is a temperate plant. It grows on dry chalky soils often in stony places. It is resistant to drought and frost.

The flower receptacles are used like an artichoke. The young leaves are boiled in mixtures of leafy vegetables.

Plants are grown by seed.