Onopordum bracteatum ssp. creticum

Onopordum bracteatum ssp. creticum can reach heights of over 1,5m. It has strong hairy and branching stems, deeply divided leaves and large blue flower covered with large thorning bracts (see bottom photo) which give this plant its name. The flower resembles the head of an artichoke.

The plant is endemic too Crete and grows at altitudes of up to 1600m. It flowers between June and August.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge.