Cardoon, Artichoke Thistle
Cynara cardunculus
Fruits/Vegetables
A relative of artichoke, cardoon is a striking addition to both kitchen gardens and ornamental landscapes. Its coarsely-textured silver foliage is striking, and its brightly purple tufted flowers attract pollinators.
(Detailed plant information can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Cynara cardunculus Photo Gallery
Cynara cardunculus Plant Information
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Cynara cardunculus |
| Common Name: | cardoon artichoke thistle |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Suggested Uses: | perennials, herbs & vegetables, cutflower |
| Characteristics | |
| Plant Form: | upright |
| Height: | 5 - 6 feet |
| Spread: | 2 - 3 feet |
| Foliage: | foliage forms basal rosette with tall flower stalks large, deeply lobed leaves have a silvery appearance due to a dense, white pubescence leaves can be up to 3 feet long at basal rosette and smaller along flower stalks |
| Flower: | striking, 2-4" round globe of bracts topped with bright purple tuft of petals |
| Bloom Period: | Spring - Summer |
| Environment | |
| Sun: | full sun |
| Water: | medium water requirement |
| Soil: | prefers well-drained, moist soil adaptable |
| Heat Tolerance: | high heat tolerance |
| USDA Zone: | zones 8 - 10 |
| Native Range: | Southwest Europe North Africa |
| Care | |
| Maintenance: | cut back within a foot of the ground after flowering potential to self-seed |
| Wildlife: | bloom attracts bees and butterflies |
TTU Plant Resources
-
Address
Texas Tech University, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Box 42122, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2838 -
Email
Melanie.Jackson@ttu.edu