This genus comprises a variety of flowering plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees. Characterized by their upright, spiny stems, these plants produce flowers resembling daisies, typically in shades of brown and gold.

Carlina

Carlina acanthifolia

Carlina acanthifolia subsp. cyanara

Carlina acanthifolia subsp. utzka

Carlina acaulis

Carlina acaulis 'Bronze Form'

Carlina acaulis 'Caulescens'

Carlina acaulis 'Splendens'

Carlina acaulis bronze-leaved

Carlina acaulis subsp. acaulis

This short-lived perennial or biennial grows in clumps and typically reaches a height of 10 cm. It features rosettes of dark green, spiny leaves measuring about 10 cm in length. The plant produces stemless, thistle-like flowers that are 10 cm wide, characterized by a pale brown disc encircled by silvery, off-white petals. These flowers emerge from the center of the rosettes during mid to late summer. This species is suitable for use in dried flower arrangements.

Carlina acaulis subsp. simplex

Carlina acaulis subsp. simplex bronze-leaved

Carlina corymbosa

Carlina lanata

Carlina salicifolia

Carlina sicula

Carlina vulgaris is a biennial species characterized by its upright, clumping form. In its inaugural year, it develops a basal rosette, which is followed by a flowering stem in the second year. This plant typically grows to heights of 15 to 40 cm and displays spiny, oblong leaves that are green, often appearing slightly gray or silvery due to cottony hairs on the underside. The flower heads, measuring between 1.5 and 4 cm in diameter, can be found either alone or in small clusters. They showcase shiny, straw-colored bracts that have a metallic luster. Notably, the flowers open during dry conditions and close when humidity rises.