Carlina acaulis
Family: Asteraceae
Biennial. Native to Europe. A handsome, spiny plant which grows
well in regular garden soil and in alkaline soil. The root and leaves
of this plant are a powerful antiseptic, which was used in ancient times
in much the same way that we use Elecampane today. The flower heads
are very bristly and useful for dried arrangements. They open when the
humidity is high, and close when the humidity is low. They are rudimentary
phyto-hygrometers. Cultivation: Easy. Sow in spring
or early summer. Germinates within four weeks of planting.
Space plants 1 foot apart. Flowers large and silvery, to 2 feet tall.
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