Echinops ritro subsp. ruthenicusEchinops ritro subsp. ruthenicus is a subspecies of Echinops ritro in the family Asteraceae.DescriptionIt is a perennial plant up to 1 metre tall with thistle-like leaves. The stems are greyish-white, the leaves green above and pale grey-green to white below; the flowers are blue-violet, produced in a dense capitulum 3–4.5 cm diameter.DistributionIt is native to Central Europe, Baltic states, European Russia and Xinjiang. It is introduced into Germany, New York and Washington.Medical propertiesThis species may have been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. This plant is not toxic to humans and pets.