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Carthamus arborescens

Carthamus arborescens

Carthamus arborescens, also known as the safflower, is a bright and cheerful flower that blooms in sunny colors like yellow and orange. It loves warm weather and can be found in gardens and fields.

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Carthamus arborescens is a woody, branching shrub reaching up to two meters tall, unusual for a thistle. It has stiff, grey-green leaves with sharp spines and produces striking bright yellow to orange thistle-like flowers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusPhonus
Carthamus arborescens
flowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgedye trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
Carthamus arborescens

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even with sharp spines, its beautiful flowers are loved by many insects.

It's rare to find a thistle that grows into a strong, woody shrub!

Its tough roots help it survive scorching summer droughts for years!

Its vibrant, sunny flowers help brighten dry Mediterranean landscapes.

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Survivor

Carthamus arborescens has a deep taproot that helps it find water in dry, rocky soils.

Ability

Spiny Defender

Carthamus arborescens has sharp spines on its leaves and flowers to protect it from hungry animals.

Ability

Woody Resilience

Carthamus arborescens has a woody stem that allows it to live for many years, unlike most thistles.

Measurements & details

Height
50-200 cm
Spread
50-150 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Visits flowers for nectar.

eats

Black Bean Aphid

Aphis fabae

Feeds on plant's sap.

Traits

Also known as

Safflower

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before picking flowers to keep nature safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Carthamus arborescens?

50-200 cm

How wide does Carthamus arborescens spread?

50-150 cm

How big are the flowers on Carthamus arborescens?

3-5 cm

When does Carthamus arborescens bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Carthamus arborescens edible?

Yes

Is Carthamus arborescens toxic?

None

What is Carthamus arborescens's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Carthamus arborescens pollinated?

Insect

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