Great Globethistle

(Echinops sphaerocephalus)

Great Globethistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Echinops sphaerocephalus, commonly known as Great Globethistle, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including open grasslands, meadows, and light woodlands across Europe and Asia. It can grow to an average height of 50–100 centimeters (20–39 inches), with some specimens reaching up to 200 cm (80 inches). This plant is characterized by its erect, branching, and gray stems that are slightly wrinkled and covered with a woolly texture. The leaves are large, soft, sharply toothed, and lobed with a pointed tip, featuring a sticky hairy surface on the top and a white woolly underside. The most distinctive feature of the Great Globethistle is its spherical inflorescence, which can be up to 6 cm in diameter and is packed with white or blue-gray disc florets, blooming from June to September. The flowers are notably attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, wasps, and butterflies, and are capable of self-fertilization. Following the flowering season, the plant produces hairy cylindrical achenes that mature from September through October and are dispersed by wind.

The Great Globethistle is valued for its unique spherical flower heads and architectural form, making it a striking addition to borders, wildflower meadows, and cottage gardens. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively if not managed, potentially becoming a nuisance in some gardens. To prevent unwanted spread, deadhead spent flowers before they set seed. There are no major disease problems associated with this plant, but it can occasionally suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White, White, Blue
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to open grasslands, meadows, and light woodlands across Europe and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Common Globe-Thistle, Globe-Thistle, Great Globe-Thistle, Great Globe Thistle, Globe Thistle, Glandular Globe Thistle, Fligetbladet Tidselkugle, Fligbladet Tidselkugle, Gewöhnliche Kugeldistel, Drüsige Kugeldistel

Scientific Names: , Echinops sphaerocephalus, Echinops viscosus, Echinops cirsiifolius, Echinops macedonicus, Echinops rochelianus var. cirsiifolius, Echinops setaceofimbriatus, Echinops sphaerocephalus f. sphaerocephalus, Echinopus major, Echinopus sphaerocephalus,

GBIF Accepted Name: Echinops sphaerocephalus L.