Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a thistle like, winter-spring growing plant (usually planted and harvested later than winter cereals). Safflower is thought to have originated in parts of Asia and Africa. It is one of the oldest domesticated crops and has been grown in India, China and northern Africa for millennia for use as a dye and an oilseed. In Australia it has been grown since the 1950s as either an irrigated or dryland crop. The seed is marketed either as an oilseed, or birdseed. The oil is used for cooking and industrial oils. The area planted to safflower fluctuates from year to year. Safflower is grown in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria as well as smaller plantings in Queensland.