ENGLISH NAME: Stemless carline
thistle
LATIN NAME: Carlina acaulis
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Pupava bezlodyžná
Turkey: Saparnot / Kısa diken (regional names vary)
Bulgaria: решетка
Georgia: უყერცხლო კარლინა (Uqerckhlo karlina)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Šumava Mountains (Czechia), Eastern Anatolian highlands (Turkey),
Vitosha and Pirin (Bulgaria), Javakheti Plateau (Georgia)
Elevation: 600–2200 meters
Terrain: Dry alpine meadows, rocky slopes, mountain pastures, and calcareous
grasslands
DESCRIPTION:
A striking perennial with a rosette of spiny, deeply lobed leaves and a large,
silver-white flower head that lies flat against the ground. The flower,
resembling a metallic daisy, opens in dry weather and closes with humidity—a
traditional weather predictor. Despite being “stemless,” it has a
very short stem at soil level.
USABLE PARTS: Root and flower
head
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and digestive tonic. The root
contains essential oils and inulin and has been applied to treat bronchitis,
kidney issues, and skin conditions. It also has mild antimicrobial properties.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Can cause gastrointestinal upset in large doses. Should not be used during
pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
May be combined with gentian root or yarrow for digestive support; also
sometimes included with mullein in respiratory blends.
PREPARATION:
The dried root is used for teas, decoctions, or tinctures. The flower head was
historically used as a weather charm or ornament and sometimes in traditional
infusions.
HARVEST TIME:
Late summer to early autumn, once the flower head has fully opened and matured.
HARVEST METHOD:
Dig up roots carefully with a spade, clean thoroughly, slice and dry. Collect
flower heads intact if desired for traditional use or display.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Store dried root slices and flower heads in airtight containers in a cool, dark
location. Ensure complete drying to prevent mold. Roots retain potency for 1–2
years if properly stored.