Tall Globethistle

(Echinops exaltatus)

Tall Globethistle (Echinops exaltatus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Echinops exaltatus, commonly known as Tall Globethistle, is a perennial herb that can be deciduous or semi-deciduous, native to grasslands and open areas in Southeastern Europe. It is the largest of the globe thistles, reaching up to 150 cm (60 inches or 5 feet) in height. This robust plant features coarse, spiny foliage and a branching habit. During its flowering season, which occurs in late summer, Tall Globethistle produces several globular flower heads, each densely packed with white or pale blue disc florets; these blooms are notably devoid of ray florets but are quite attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Tall Globethistle is valued for its architectural form and unique flower heads, which add texture and interest to garden borders and wildflower meadows. It is also used in dried flower arrangements due to the persistence of its striking globular blooms. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. While it is not particularly prone to diseases, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. Tall Globethistle can self-seed and spread, so gardeners should monitor its growth to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-5 feet
  • Width: 0.2-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Grasslands and open areas in Southeastern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Russian Globe-Thistle, Tall Globe-Thistle, Høj Tidselkugle, Hohe Kugeldistel, Drüsenlose Kugeldistel, Boulette De Hongrie, Oursin De Hongrie, Échinope De Russie, Échinops De Hongrie, Stekelige Kogeldistel

Scientific Names: , Echinops exaltatus, Echinops commutatus, Echinops globifer, Echinops mollis, Echinops commutatus f. commutatus, Echinops commutatus f. sectatus, Echinops eglandulosus, Echinops strictus, Sphaerocephalus commutatus

GBIF Accepted Name: Echinops exaltatus Schrad.