Status:
valid
Authors:
Boiss.
Source:
gcc
Year:
1856
Citation Micro:
Diagn. Pl. Orient. , ser. 2, 3: 43 (1856)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000129723
Common Names
- Carduus olympicus
- Olympic Thistle
- Carduus
Description
Carduus olympicus (also called Olympic Thistle, among many other common names) is a biennial flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has spiny, oval-shaped leaves and purple flowers. It grows in rocky soils, and is often found in dry meadows and pastures.
Uses & Benefits
Carduus olympicus is used as an ornamental plant and is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Carduus olympicus sub. hypoleucus (Bornm.) P.H.Davis
Carduus olympicus sub. olympicus
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Carduus olympicus is a small, yellow, daisy-like flower with a central disc of yellow disc florets surrounded by yellow ray florets. The seeds are small, dark brown, and slightly flattened. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Carduus olympicus is a biennial herb that can be propagated by seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but it does best in sandy or loamy soils. It should be watered regularly and fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms.
Where to Find Carduus olympicus
Carduus olympicus can be found in the Mediterranean region, including parts of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Carduus olympicus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Carduus olympicus?
Carduus olympicus
What is the common name of Carduus olympicus?
Olympic Thistle
What is the natural habitat of Carduus olympicus?
Dry grasslands, scrub, and rocky slopes
Species in the Carduus genus
Carduus afromontanus,
Carduus solteszii,
Carduus tenuiflorus,
Carduus broteroi,
Carduus millefolius,
Carduus nawaschini,
Carduus volutarioides,
Carduus angusticeps,
Carduus cephalanthus,
Carduus myriacanthus,
Carduus weizensis,
Carduus getulus,
Carduus pumilus,
Carduus turocensis,
Carduus macracanthus,
Carduus affinis,
Carduus spachianus,
Carduus crispus,
Carduus transcaspicus,
Carduus fissurae,
Carduus martinezii,
Carduus rechingerianus,
Carduus acanthocephalus,
Carduus fasciculiflorus,
Carduus chrysacanthus,
Carduus kerneri,
Carduus cantabricus,
Carduus acicularis,
Carduus pycnocephalus,
Carduus budaianus,
Carduus argyroa,
Carduus schimperi,
Carduus meonanthus,
Carduus onopordioides,
Carduus lobulatus,
Carduus kumaunensis,
Carduus bourgaei,
Carduus aurosicus,
Carduus arvaticus,
Carduus modestii,
Carduus seminudus,
Carduus peisonis,
Carduus dahuricus,
Carduus ibicensis,
Carduus keniensis,
Carduus macrocephalus,
Carduus membranaceus,
Carduus leptocephalus,
Carduus leptocladus,
Carduus maroccanus,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,