Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Cynara cardunculus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour is mild and pleasant and is felt by some people to be more delicate than the globe artichoke. — Flower buds - raw or cooked.; A globe artichoke substitute.; The flower buds are a bit smaller than the globe artichoke and so are even more fiddly to use.; The buds are harvested just before the flowers open, they are then usually boiled before being eaten.

Habitat & North American Range

Stony or waste places and in dry grassland, usually on clay. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)