Scientific name: Cynara cardunculus
Synonym: Cynara cardunculus Cardoon
Family: ASTERACEAE
Common names: “globe artichoke” “cardoon” “prickly artichoke”
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 7-9
Light: Full sun, will not grow in shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile soil with good mulch
Moisture: Moist well drained, tolerant of some drought
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3-6′ W 2-3′
Leaf and Stem shape: Clumps of silvery-grey, spiny leaves
Flower: Large thistle-like purple flowers in late summer
Maintenance: Low, if grown as a foliage plant cut out flower stalks as they emerge
Landscape use: Mixed border, cut and dried flowers, structural, wildlife garden
Propagate: By seed, division and root cuttings
Pests & Disease: Snails and slugs may cause damage
*attracts beneficial insects
Comments: ~AGM winner, considered an invasive weed in California, certain cultivars are known to revert and escape the garden, some stalks of this plant are edible but the cultivated garden variety is much better for that
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus –“Artichoke” Flower buds edible before they bloom
Vancouver Island Grows 