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Cynara spp.
artichoke
Mediterranean basin and North Africa
Overview
Cynara spp. is a genus of about eight species of large, thistle-like perennial herbs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to the Mediterranean region and the Atlantic islands. Plants form bold clumps 3-6.5 feet (0.9-2 m) tall from a stout fleshy rootstock, with very large, deeply lobed, grey-green to silvery leaves up to 20-32 inches (50-80 cm) long, often armed with spines along the margins and midrib and felted beneath. In summer stout branched stems carry massive thistle flower heads 2.5-6 inches (6-15 cm) across, the overlapping fleshy bracts surrounding a dense brush of violet-blue to purple disc florets. The genus includes the globe artichoke and the cardoon, both forms of C. cardunculus long cultivated for food, the artichoke for its unopened flower buds and the cardoon for its blanched leaf stalks. The flower heads are visited by numerous bees when open. Plants tolerate heat and drought through deep roots but are damaged by hard winter frost and waterlogging, behaving as short-lived perennials in mild climates and as annuals or biennials where winters are severe. The large silvery foliage and architectural flower heads also make the genus a structural presence in ornamental plantings.
Native Range
Cynara spp. is native to the Mediterranean basin, North Africa, and the Macaronesian islands, growing wild on dry, sunny slopes and disturbed ground. C. cardunculus in its wild cardoon form ranges across southern Europe and North Africa, and cultivated forms are now grown in warm-temperate regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Cynara spp. is grown as a vegetable for the edible artichoke buds and blanched cardoon stalks, and as a bold ornamental for its large silvery foliage and architectural thistle heads. The flower heads are used fresh and dried in arrangements. Plants suit the back of large borders, gravel gardens, and kitchen gardens with room to spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'6"
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Cynara spp. flowers in summer, typically July to September, with the large heads opening in succession over several weeks. In the artichoke, heads are usually harvested as unopened buds before the florets expand. Left to mature, the heads produce plumed seeds in late summer and autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet-blue to purpleFoliage Description
grey-green to silveryGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight