Annual Mediterranean herb from 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20 in.) tall, having small, spindle-shaped (fusiform) roots. The erect, multiple stalks are covered with light hairs; the alternate, hairy leaves are pale green and the flowers are yellow. The plant, which flowers from May to August, exhibits a somewhat unpleasant odor and a strong, lasting, bitter taste. The parts used are the leaves and flowers. Blessed thistle has a bitter taste.
Composition
An important constituent of C. benedictus is the sesquiterpene lactone, cnicin. The other constituents include mucilage, flavonoids, volatile oil, alkaloids, tannins, nicotinic acid and resin.
