Common Name:

General Information

Echinops tournefortii is a spiny, erect, herbaceous perennial plant with a stem that branches towards the top; it can grow 40 -100cm tall[, ].
Research has shown that the plant has potential for use as an antioxidant[]. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

W. Asia - eastern Turkey, Armenia, western Iran

Habitat

In the upper belt of the steppe zone; at elevations from 2,000 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sunny position in any well drained soil of low or medium fertility[, , ]. Most species in this genus thrive in hot, dry soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant contains polyphenols It is an effective antioxidant, working best when extracted in water or methanol[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame[]. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 9 weeks at 25°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seedbed in mid spring and is then planted out into its permanent position in late summer or the autumn[].
Division in autumn[].
Root cuttings in the winter[].