SafePlants

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Safflower, scientifically known as Carthamus tinctorius L., is also sometimes referred to as saffron thistle or bastard saffron.

Considerations for Pets

• Safflower is described as a thistle-like plant.
• The plant produces seeds, which are commonly used in birdseed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carthamus tinctorius L.
• Family: Asteraceae (also referred to as Compositae or Sunflower family)
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to parts of Asia and Africa, specifically from central India through the Middle East.
• Historically grown throughout the great plains.
• Widely cultivated in the Old World.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Annual herbaceous plant.
• Highly branched with a thistle-like appearance.
• Grows to a height of 30 to 150 cm (12 to 59 inches).
• Features globular flower heads with yellow, orange, or red flowers.
• Produces small, white seeds.

Ecological Role

• The seeds are a food source for various birds, including jays, cardinals, chickadees, House Finches, and doves.
• Safflower is sometimes used as livestock feed.

Traditional Uses

• Historically cultivated as a dye plant.
• Used medicinally in past centuries.
• Safflower is part of some Chinese medicine practices.

Quirky Facts

• Safflower was once used as a less expensive replacement for saffron, which influenced its name.
• The oil extracted from safflower seeds is colorless, flavorless, and odorless.

Uses

• Commercially cultivated for vegetable oil extracted from its seeds.
• Safflower seed oil is used for preventing heart disease, including atherosclerosis and stroke.
• The oil is also used in cosmetics.
• Used as birdseed.

Genetic Information

• Constituents of safflower oil include of 6% palmitic, 12% oleic, 74% linoleic acids, and omega-6 linoleic acid, with two double bonds.
• Two main types of safflower varieties exist, those producing oil high in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and those with high concentrations of linoleic acid.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia.com has Safflower Flower articles, video and information.