Carlina salicifolia aka Cabezote

Carlina salicifolia requires moderate gardening experience. Like other carline thistles, it needs specific conditions to thrive: full sun, excellent drainage, and prefers nutrient-poor soil. The plant resents root disturbance and should be planted into its final position as young as possible. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, but getting it established requires attention to its environmental needs.

Carlina salicifolia is endemic to Macaronesia, specifically native to the Canary Islands (El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote) and Madeira. It grows on cliffs, rocky slopes, and sunny ravines at elevations between 200-1,600 meters, inhabiting thermophilic forests, laurel forests (laurisilva), and fayal-brezal ecosystems. The species is relatively common throughout most of its range but becomes rare on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Carlina salicifolia is an evergreen shrub that typically reaches about 1 meter in height. It has branched, woody stems that become white-woolly in the upper portions, with leaves crowded towards the branch ends measuring 6-10 cm long. The flower heads are 2-4 cm in diameter. Growth rate is slow to moderate, characteristic of the Carlina genus.

Carlina salicifolia thrives in well-drained, rocky or sandy soil similar to its native cliff and rocky slope habitats. Like other carline thistles, it prefers nutrient-poor soil and can struggle in overly rich conditions. The soil pH should be neutral to alkaline. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, as the plant is adapted to dry Mediterranean conditions.

Carlina salicifolia reproduces by seed. Seeds should be surface-sown in a cold frame in spring, as they require light to germinate. Germination typically occurs within 4-8 weeks at 15°C. Seedlings should be transplanted individually and placed in permanent positions while still young, as carline thistles resent root disturbance and should be moved to their final location as early as possible.

Carlina salicifolia has an extended flowering period from spring through well into autumn. The flower heads are 2-4 cm in diameter, discoid to hemispherical, appearing solitary or in corymbs. The outer bracts range from green to golden-yellow with reddish tones depending on sun exposure, while inner bracts are scarious, shiny, and blackish or purplish-brown. The flowers themselves are pale yellow and are pollinated by insects, particularly bees and butterflies.

Carlina salicifolia is pollinated by insects, primarily bees and butterflies (Lepidoptera). Like other members of the Carlina genus and Asteraceae family, it produces flowers that attract various pollinating insects with its showy bracts and accessible florets. The flowers are hermaphrodite (containing both male and female organs) and the plant is likely self-fertile, as are related species in the genus.

Several infraspecific taxa of Carlina salicifolia are recognized. Subspecies salicifolia is the typical form found across the Canary Islands and Madeira. Subspecies lancerottensis is endemic to Lanzarote and features broader, less spiny leaves and larger flower heads. Variety gomerensis is found on La Gomera, and forma excedens represents another recognized variant. Historic varieties include var. inermis and var. latifolia from Lowe (1868).

Carlina salicifolia is exclusively an outdoor plant, not suitable for indoor cultivation. It thrives outdoors in Mediterranean or mild temperate climates with full sun exposure. Based on related Carlina species, it may tolerate temperatures down to approximately -15°C to -20°C when dormant. In colder climates outside USDA zones 8-10, it may require winter protection or cultivation in a cold greenhouse.

Carlina salicifolia has been used in traditional folk medicine in the Canary Islands. An infusion made from the flowering tops was used to combat muscle spasms. Additionally, the hairy membrane from the underside of the leaves was traditionally used to plug hemorrhages from small cuts and wounds. These are minor folkloric uses rather than well-documented medicinal applications.

The tender leaves of Carlina salicifolia are used as goat fodder in some Canary Islands. Like other carline thistles, the dried flower heads may function as natural hygrometers, opening in dry weather and closing in moist conditions. The attractive spiny bracts and long-lasting flower heads could potentially be used in dried flower arrangements, as is common with related Carlina species.

Carlina salicifolia is adapted to Mediterranean-like climates of the Canary Islands and Madeira, where temperatures are generally mild year-round. Based on related Carlina species, established plants may tolerate brief periods of frost down to -15°C or lower when dormant. The plant prefers warm, sunny conditions and may not thrive in regions with extended cold, wet winters or high summer humidity.

Cabezote should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

To ensure optimal growth, the Cabezote prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.