Stemless carline thistle

Carlina acaulis

vegetable · flower

A large flower head sitting at ground level, whose fleshy heart is eaten like an artichoke bottom.

Origin

Mountains of Europe

Where to find it

In dry mountain grasslands, from the Jura to the Pyrenees; it was the summer shepherds who ate its heart.

Season (United States)

July to September

Preparation

Protected in several regions and countries: it is not picked in the wild.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Nailed on chalet doors, its flower closes when rain is coming.