Stemless carline thistle
carlina acaulis
Also known as: ["Austere thistle","Winter thistle"]
Overview
A low-growing, herbaceous perennial with silvery-green, spiny leaves and distinctive yellow flower heads that resemble thistles.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Carlina |
| Botanical Name: | Carlina acaulis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, well-draining soil with low organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in alpine conditions; bright indirect light indoors with cool temperatures.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; place in a cool, bright location indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct midday sun indoors; provide bright light with cool temperatures; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
well-draining, rocky, alkaline soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy peat mixes; use terracotta pots for better drainage.
Temperature
Cool temperatures (50–65°F / 10–18°C) preferred; tolerates cold but not extreme heat.
Keep in cool, bright conditions; protect from heat spikes; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only in growing season; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings; stem cuttings are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets or take root cuttings.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when plant is not in peak dormancy.
Environment
Cool (50–60°F / 10–15°C), high humidity, and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for root cuttings.
Timeline
Roots may form in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use fresh medium; keep consistently moist; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves or stems at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain vigor.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead foliage; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) if repotting is needed.
Method
Use a well-draining soil mix; gently tease apart roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary, as Carlina acaulis prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root crowding; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; minimal disturbance to roots.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without pooling. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate small amounts of compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in excessive heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root damage if soil freezes; may lead to fungal issues in damp cold.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent freezing; protect from frost; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor; may trigger premature flowering or dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCarlina acaulis is slightly toxic to cats if ingested. The plant's compounds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, especially if consumed in larger quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicCarlina acaulis can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested. The plant contains compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, particularly if consumed in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicCarlina acaulis, commonly known as the stemless carline thistle, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its roots and stems may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its fibrous nature and potential irritant properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Carlina acaulis adapt to alpine conditions?
A: It has a deep taproot and compact growth habit to survive harsh, rocky alpine environments.
Q: Is Carlina acaulis suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it thrives in well-drained, rocky soils typical of rock garden settings.
Q: Does Carlina acaulis require full sun?
A: Yes, it prefers full sun exposure to bloom optimally.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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