Illyrian Cottonthistle
Onopordum illyricum
- Native to:
- Albania, Baleares, Bulgaria, Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Türkiye
Donald Hobern (www.flickr.com) from Copenhagen, Denmark
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Onopordum
- Species:
- Onopordum illyricum
- USDA Symbol:
- ONIL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- 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:
- Prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on well-drained soil.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).