Carlina acanthifolia aka Carlina Acanthifolia

Carlina acanthifolia is a perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae. The RHS calls it the acanthus-leaved thistle. Kew gives its native range as France to Italy. Plants For A Future lists a wider European distribution. That list spans Spain, France, Italy, and parts of eastern Europe. The RHS does not list it as native to Britain or Ireland. Its habitats include mountain pastures, rocky ground, and stony sites. It grows on poor soils in these places.

This plant reaches about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Plants For A Future records flowering in June. Its seeds ripen from July to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees, moths, and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The plant is also self-fertile. This means it can set seed with its own pollen. The sources give no species-level details of leaf shape or stem form. They also give no mature spread for garden plants.

Grow it in full sun, with soil that drains well. It does not grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils with suitable drainage. Ordinary garden soil can meet its needs. It prefers poor soil, so rich ground is not essential. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Even so, Plants For A Future notes a preference for alkaline soil. Soil may be dry or moist. That source lists USDA zones 4–8 and hardiness near −15°C. It describes the plant as ornamental and suitable for cultivated beds.

Take care when moving or dividing this species. It dislikes root disturbance, which can make division difficult. Put young plants in their final sites as soon as possible. Sow seed on the surface in a cold frame during spring. Germination takes four to eight weeks at 15°C. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them in their final positions during summer. Spring division is another option, but carries the root-disturbance risk.

The cooked flower heads have a limited food use. They can serve as a substitute for globe artichokes. Their smaller size makes them harder to prepare. Plants For A Future gives edibility one out of five. It records no known hazards, rather than proof of safety. It lists no known medicinal uses or other uses. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases. Plants For A Future does not flag weed potential.