Bull Cottonthistle
Onopordum tauricum
- Native to:
- Albania, Bulgaria, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Sardegna, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine
Scher, J. L., D. S. Walters, and A.J. Redford
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Onopordum
- Species:
- Onopordum tauricum
- USDA Symbol:
- ONTA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- 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:
- dry, well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to steppe and rocky areas
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 medium.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: 15% germination rate; squeeze seeds to determine which are viable