Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon): Architectural Edible with Dramatic Foliage

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) is a bold, architectural perennial (often grown as an annual) with huge, prickly, gray-green arching leaves and a statuesque, vase-shaped frame up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. In midsummer, it tops out with round, purple, thistle-like flowers. A close cousin of the artichoke, it's native to sunny, well-drained Mediterranean slopes.

Ornamental & Edible Uses

• Flowers: Magnificent for cutting and drying.
• Edible: Blanched leaf stalks and midribs are tasty; unopened flower heads can be eaten like artichokes.
• Hardiness: Overwinters in Zone 7 with protection.

Culture & Propagation

• Site: Sheltered, full sun, fertile well-drained soil.
• Propagation: From seed (flowers first year if started early); divide in spring or use root cuttings in winter.

Potential Problems

Gray mold, root rot, slugs, aphids.

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