Common name: cardoon

Family name: Asteraceae

Description: A very tall, architectural plant, it often grows taller than a human.

Flower: Fluffy-looking purple-blue flowers that cap an artichoke-like, spiny, base.

Foliage: Large, lobed leaves with deep sinuses and a very coarse texture.

Growing conditions: Full sun; very drought tolerant, can survive in an unirrigated landscape.

Height and spread: 2-3m by 1.5-2m

Limitations: Once it flowers it dies to the ground except for its basal offshoots, so it could leave a bit of a hole in the landscape.

Landscape uses: This plant has an overall very spiny and interesting look to it. That combined with its statuesque size, and interesting purple flowers, it is very eye-catching in the landscape. As it is so tall, it would look best at the back of the border. This plant would also look good in a more architectural setting, where it’s size and form allow it to hold its own in an urban landscape.