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woolly distaff thistle

Scientific Name: Carthamus lanatus ssp. creticus

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Woolly Distaff Thistle (Carthamus lanatus)

Woolly distaff thistle, scientifically known as Carthamus lanatus, is an annual thistle species with a complex history and noteworthy ecological impact.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant has spiny bracts and leaves with long, stout marginal and terminal spines, which may pose a physical hazard.
  • It is described as not palatable to domestic animals, suggesting an unpleasant taste or texture.

Considerations for Children

  • The presence of spines on the leaves and bracts could be a potential source of injury.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carthamus lanatus L.
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Synonyms/Common Names:
    • Woolly distaff thistle
    • Downy safflower
    • Saffron thistle
    • Woolly safflower
    • Woolly starthistle
    • Woolly star-thistle
    • Distaff thistle
  • Carthamus lanatus ssp. creticus (L.) Holmboe is also mentioned as a subspecies.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Mediterranean region and central Europe.
  • Also found in Australia, where it is known as Saffron thistle.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an aggressive rangeland pest.
  • Displaces forage plants, making access difficult.
  • Classified as a noxious weed and can potentially cause organic producers to lose certification if not controlled.
  • California Invasive Species Council (cal-ipc.org) identifies it as a species of concern.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Winter annual forb that can grow up to 3.3 ft (1 m) tall.
  • Pale green stems are hairy and rigid, with the upper portion branched.
  • Winter annual stems are straw colored and usually covered with loose woolly cobwebby hairs, especially in leaf axils and at the base of the plant.
  • Stem leaves are alternate, pinnate, and stiff.
  • Leaves have long, stout marginal and terminal spines.
  • Flowers are yellow and similar to yellow starthistle.
  • Flowerheads are solitary at stem tips and composed of many yellow flowers.
  • Bracts at the base of flowerheads are spiny.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite being generally unpalatable, there is anecdotal evidence of cows at a ranch in Marin, California, consuming the thistle from black tubs.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: [USDA symbol: CALA20]
  • Weed Science (wsweedscience.org)
  • California Invasive Species Council (cal-ipc.org)
  • Invasive Plant Atlas
  • CalPhotos
  • Botanical Society of South Africa
  • Dave's Garden