[2][3] It is distributed from Madeira and the Canary Islands across Europe and northern Africa to Siberia and northwestern China.

Most are biennial herbs, but the genus includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and dwarf trees, as well.

[12] C. acaulis root is known as Carlinae radix and is still used medicinally as a diuretic and a treatment for such conditions as skin lesions and rashes, catarrh, and toothache.

Most commercial preparations of Carlinae radix are not C. acaulis, but are in fact adulterated with C. acanthifolia, a related species.

The essential oil of both species is mostly composed of carlina oxide, an acetylene derivative.