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| Identification |
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Genus
Carthamus
Species
tinctorius
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
safflower
false saffron
bastard saffron
American saffron
dyer's thistle
dyer's saffron
saffron thistle
hong hua
Family
ASTERACEAE
Specimen number
S11341
Data source
ColorNat p24;DyePl p19;HtZn p91;MedPl p181
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual
Life span
1 year
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Flower
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
1' - 3'
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Full sun
Water
Dry, well drained
Optimal soil texture
Various
Acceptable soil pH
Neutral
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Heat zones 12-03
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
A good use for this plant is as cut flowers. The flowers of Carthamus tinctorius have been used in traditional fabric dyeing. A range of possible colors can be produced by Safflower (also known as dyer's saffron, false saffron, bastard saffron, American saffron, dyer's thistle and saffron thistle) including bright yellow, rusty red, dusty rose, orange and yellow. Carthamus tinctorius is known as hong hua in Chinese. It is used in dyeing silk. When dyeing with this plant, alum is used as a mordant to fix the color to the fabric. This plant needs summer days with high heat. This species does best in full sun. It prefers dry, well drained soils.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Cut flowers
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
emmenagogue
purgative
lowers cholesterol
immunostimulant
vulnerary
Medicinal parts
Flowers
Seeds
Seed oil
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
yes
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
The petals of this plant and the seeds are both edible. Among its many possible uses in the kitchen, Carthamus tinctorius is often used as a flavoring and as oil. Safflower (sometimes called dyer's saffron, false saffron, bastard saffron, American saffron, dyer's thistle and saffron thistle) has numerous traditional medicinal uses. Some of its many uses are: as an emmenagogue, as a purgative, as a cholesterol reducer and as an immunostimulant. More uses are listed in the medicinal properties section. This plant is not safe for use during pregnancy. The flowers and the seeds and even the seed oil are used to prepare herbal remedies.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Flowers
Dye color
bright yellow,rusty red,dusty rose,orange,yellow
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Various
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
yes
Culinary uses
Flavoring
Oil
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Petals
Seeds
Description of edible parts
flower petals used in cooking as a substitute for saffron; seeds are crushed for their oil
Flavor / texture
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Carthamus tinctorius has an annual life cycle. Leaves: Safflower (locally known in some parts as dyer's saffron, false saffron, bastard saffron, American saffron, dyer's thistle and saffron thistle) has spiny leaves. Flowers: This plant has thistle-like flowers. The blossoms are usually a yellow color, with an accent in gold.
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Page 918 of 4998
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