Medicinal Carline Thistle
carlina gummifera
Also known as: ["Asteriscus gummifer","Carline Thistle"]
Overview
A small, thistle-like plant with yellow flowers, historically used in traditional medicine but highly toxic if ingested.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Carlina |
| Botanical Name: | Carlina gummifera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun; place in a spot with filtered light or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid west-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures, ideally 65–75°F (18–24°C). Tolerates cooler conditions down to 50°F (10°C) but avoids frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a low-nitrogen formula for flowering plants.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of offsets. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for a few days.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use a rooting hormone to encourage faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering the cutting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; remove any leggy or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage bushier foliage.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/damaged parts; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and 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 perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dormancy if prolonged below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if not accompanied by adequate water and shade.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a tray of water; water more frequently but ensure drainage.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCarlina gummifera is toxic to cats, with ingestion leading to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The roots and leaves are the primary toxic components, posing a significant health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Carlina gummifera by dogs can lead to severe toxicity, affecting the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. The roots and leaves are the most toxic parts, causing significant distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCarlina gummifera contains toxic compounds that can cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. The plant's roots and leaves are particularly hazardous, leading to significant gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Carlina gummifera safe for pets?
A: No, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the traditional uses of Carlina gummifera?
A: It has been used in traditional medicine, though its toxicity makes modern use risky.
Q: How should Carlina gummifera be cared for?
A: It requires moderate care, including well-drained soil and full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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