Cynara cardunculus
cardoon
Asteraceae
list 10.5
- Perennial (short lived)
- Native to the Mediterranean
- Zone 7
- A towering perennial (up to 3 m), with dramatic, spiny, pinnately lobed leaves. Grey-green. Deep tap root. Fast growing.
- Thistle-like flowers – blue-purple above a bulbous bract.
- Progenitor of the artichoke.
- Edible petioles when young (like celery).
- Full sun. Drought tolerant.
- A striking, architectural plant. Loved by kids. Use in a vegetable garden or as a specimen. Potentially in the back of a border.
