Carthamus sp. (Safflower)

Carthamus sp. (Safflower) white fruit seeds in a pile close up against a blue background
Carthamus sp. (Safflower) seeds lie in a pile against a blue background for close inspection.

Botanical name: Carthamus sp.

Common names: Safflower, Carthamine, Sallflower, Beni, Chimichanga

Family: Asteraceae

Origin: India to China

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 6-10

Plant type: Fruit or edible; spice or herb
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Red, crimson, vinous flowersYellow, orange flowersFlower color: Red, crimson, vinous; yellow, orange
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Safflower is a highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual plant. Carthamus tinctorius is commercially cultivated for vegetable oil extracted from the seeds. Plants are 12 to 59 in tall with globular flower heads having yellow, orange, or red flowers.


Carthamus sp. (Safflower) yellow flower close up with spiky green foliage under natural sunlight.
Carthamus sp. (Safflower) yellow flower with spiky green foliage visible on the stems.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/carthamus_sp.htm
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