Blessed Milkthistle
Silybum marianum
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Gulf States, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kriti, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Madeira, Morocco, Nepal, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Sinai, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Sahara, Yemen
SuperJew
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Silybum
- Species:
- Silybum marianum
- USDA Symbol:
- SIMA3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, magenta
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Mylitta crescent (Phyciodes mylitta), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Indiscriminate cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus insularis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, goldfinches
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, 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 Mediterranean, prefers disturbed soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at 68-75°F with no pretreatment required. Direct sow in fall or early spring.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.