Maltese Star-Thistle
Centaurea melitensis
- Native to:
- Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Canary Is., Cape Verde, Corse, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Libya, Madeira, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Selvagens, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia
Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Centaurea
- Species:
- Centaurea melitensis
- USDA Symbol:
- CEME2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in disturbed areas and roadsides
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in fall or spring with adequate moisture. Light may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.