Carthamus tinctorius aka Safflower

Taxonomy

Genus Carthamus Family Asteraceae Order Asterales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual plant in the family Asteraceae. It grows up to 150 cm tall and has globular flower heads in yellow, orange, or red colors. The plant is commercially cultivated for its vegetable oil extracted from the seeds, which is used in various products including food. Additionally, safflower was historically used as a substitute for saffron by the early Spanish colonies along the Rio Grande. Safflower is well-adapted to arid environments with seasonal rain, thanks to its deep taproot. It is an erect, branching annual with spiny leaves and vibrant orange or yellow thistle-like flower-heads, adorned with prominent green bracts. Notably, safflower is commonly grown in arid regions, often intercropped with winter wheat. However, it should be noted that safflower is considered invasive in Illinois.

Common names

Safflower, Dyer's Saffron, False Saffron

How to care for Safflower

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Safflower is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Lighting

Safflower requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Safflower will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Safflower plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

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.

Region of origin

Safflower’s native range is N. Africa - Egypt. A rare casual in Britain[17].

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Carthamus Genus

Carthamus tinctorius Safflower

Carthamus lanatus Distaff Thistle