How to Grow and Care for Cynara

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) grows 91 cm to 1.8 m in height, and 61 cm to 91 cm across. Its leaves are jagged, razor-sharp, and a silvery-gray color. Its flowers are blue or violet and thistle-like. It was first brought to the United States by Spanish and French settlers in the middle of the nineteenth century.

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a popular vegetable that has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. Its blossoms are harvested before blooming, at which time they will bloom with hundreds of purple tendrils. The globe artichoke's flowers are nutritious when cooked, and are found in many Italian dishes as well as teas.

Cardoon is a thistle-like perennial plant thriving in the Mediterranean basin's sandy coastal areas, spotlighting its resilience to dry, harsh conditions. It features striking silvery-green, deeply lobed leaves, with robust flowering stalks showcasing artichoke-like flowers. The flower buds, enveloped in scaly bracts, are particularly adapted to attract pollinators, ensuring cardoon's survival amidst arid landscapes.

Cynara syriaca is a perennial thistle species typically found in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It showcases bold, spiny foliage and large, globe-like purple flower heads. These striking blooms not only add aesthetic appeal but also facilitate adaptation to its arid habitats, attracting pollinators while deterring grazers. The plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is resilient to dry conditions, illustrating a versatile survival strategy.