Safflower is an annual broadleaf plant in the aster family that produces rounded
yellow or reddish-orange flower heads and rosettes of branched leaves, like a
thistle. It is one of the oldest known crops with a history of cultivation
dating to ancient Egypt.
Because the herb, especially the flower, is sometimes
used in cooking as a substitute for saffron, safflower is also known as bastard
saffron.
