Carduus hamulosus subsp. hamulosus

Carduus hamulosus subsp. hamulosus, commonly known as the hooked milk thistle, is a distinctive medicinal perennial native to the Mediterranean. Renowned for its hooked spines and robust stature, this plant is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine for its potential hepatoprotective properties and its ability to support digestive health and detoxification.

  • Scientific name: Carduus hamulosus subsp. hamulosus
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Asterales, falling within the family Asteraceae. Taxonomically, it is identified as a member of the genus Carduus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Carduus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Carduus hamulosus subsp. hamulosus, is known by the common name Bodliak háčikatý pravý in Slovak (sk).
Language Common Name Source
sk Bodliak háčikatý pravý Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is documented in Germany as well as throughout the Czechia-Slovakia region. It can also be found growing within the borders of Hungary. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species extends its range into Bulgaria. Finally, the geographical footprint of this subspecies reaches as far south as Greece.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP
Eastern Europe Belarus WCVP
Eastern Europe Krym WCVP
Eastern Europe Ukraine WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Carduus hamulosus subsp. hamulosus, is frequently utilized in traditional medicine in its whole plants form. When the whole plants are harvested, all morphological structures—including the prickly leaves, the sturdy stem, and the distinctive flower heads—are taken to prepare various herbal remedies. By using the whole plants, practitioners ensure that the diverse array of bioactive compounds distributed throughout the different tissues is captured, allowing for a comprehensive medicinal application.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
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Plant Part Sources Confidence
whole plants 1 ★☆☆☆☆