Klasea bulgarica (syn Serratula)

Saw wort

Before reclassification, Klasea were known as Serratula which means a small saw. 

The leaves are indeed serrated just like the blade on an old wood saw although they feel quite soft and velvety. 

The plant itself is anything but small being a greyish-green triffid standing around 180cm high and completely covered in huge white fluffy  flowerheads. These are flash mobbed by every insect in the garden. 

With origins in Bulgaria, Moldavia and parts of Ukraine this plant along with some of its relatives are now rare in the wild. Klasea lycopifolia is on the Red List of endangered plants. 

Although thistle like in appearance it has a stately bearing and such a valuable insect's food source is very worthwhile growing.

Photo: Blackstem Plants

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