Cardoon - Cynara cardunculus (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Edible)

Cardoon

Also known as: Globe artichoke, Cardy

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

6 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper, White

Fruit Color

Purple, Mauve

Flower Color

Gray, Silver, Green, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Cardoon

Distribution of Cardoon

Distribution Map

Cardoon boasts a rich distribution, naturally occurring in the Mediterranean region. Cultivation extends cardoon beyond its native range, with presence across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, and South America. In certain areas, cardoon may be considered to adapt and thrive in non-native ecosystems, where its establishment is sometimes thought to be competitive with local flora. Experts acknowledge that in some introduced regions, cardoon may have an impact on native ecosystems, albeit typically in a subtle manner.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Stony or waste places, dry grassland, on clay

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Cardoon is an interesting and rather niche perennial typically grown for its silvery color and thistle-like foliage. It can make quite a dramatic addition to cottage gardens or borders and attracts a good amount of wildlife for natural gardens. Cardoon keeps an interesting appearance throughout the winter as well, which could add some nice shape to a usually barren winter area. Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ and Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’ make for striking companion plants.

Symbolism

Strength, Protection, Hex Breaking

Name Story

Cardoon: Sicily happens to be one of the few places where the stalks of certain types of thistles are consumed. In Sicily, the dish is called carduna, from the latin term carduus which is the plant's principal genus. The Italian word cardo is more generic and does not refer to a specific scientific family. Therefore, it is called Cardoon.

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Toxicity

The cardoon plant, grown in polluted soil, absorbs pollutants like cadmium and arsenic. Consumption can lead to severe poisoning symptoms: nausea, vomiting, cramps, and potentially deadly effects. Never eat cardoon or let children near it unless the soil is unpolluted.

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Weed Control

Cardoon is a weed in certain mild climate areas of the world such as California, Chile, Australia, and Argentina, and grows in habitats such as pastures, woodlands and rangelands. Its silvery foliage and violet-topped flowers add color to a garden. Cardoon is an invasive weed in California, Chile and Argentina. In parts of Australia its movement or sale is restricted. It can contaminate crops and dominate a natural habitat by monopolizing sunlight, water and soil nutrients. Remove individual plants or cut off flower heads or use herbicides to curtail its spread.

How to Control It

To control cardoon, it's best to take action before it sets seed, typically late spring to early summer.

Manual removal: Uproot young cardoon seedlings by hand or with the help of a hoe to prevent the plants from establishing and spreading through the garden.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants to suppress cardoon growth by blocking sunlight and minimizing soil temperature fluctuations.
Strategic planting: Cultivate competitive plants that overshadow cardoon, such as tall perennials, to reduce its ability to dominate the area.
Regular mowing: If cardoon is present in a lawn area, keep it mowed regularly to prevent it from reaching maturity and producing seeds.
Barrier installation: Create underground barriers with edging materials around garden beds to limit the spread of cardoon's roots and rhizomes.

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Quickly Identify Cardoon

Deeply lobed, grey-green leaves up to 4 feet (120 cm) long with sharp prickles.

Tall, thick stems up to 6 feet (180 cm) high, often topped by violet-blue, 7-inch (18 cm) flowers.

Distinct fruit with slender, bristly, white to brown cylindrical form, clustered for recognition.

Large, spiky bright purple flowers, 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in diameter, on 5-foot (1.5 meters) stalks.

Leafy, erect stems with small sharp prickles, reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height.

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Care Guide for Cardoon

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Cardoon thrives in arid environments, exhibiting excellent drought tolerance. It requires balanced watering, approximately once a week, to maintain health. As an evergreen, cardoon retains its leaves year-round, even with minimal rainfall.

Fertilize: To optimize growth and blooming of cardoon, use high phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Apply a balanced, slow-release blend in spring, switching to phosphorus-rich before blooming. Incorporate organic compost for sustained nutrition while avoiding over-fertilization and runoff to protect the ecosystem.

Pruning: Cardoon benefits from early summer pruning by removing dead foliage to promote healthy growth. Cut back spent flower stalks post-bloom to redirect energy to the roots, enhancing vitality. Regular pruning improves air circulation and prevents diseases, ensuring a thriving garden staple.

Propagation: Cardoon propagates easily via stem cuttings in spring or summer, with new leaf growth indicating success. For optimal rooting, employ a well-draining soil mix and maintain adequate moisture throughout the process.

Repotting: Repot cardoon every 2-3 years in spring to support root growth. Use spacious containers and well-draining soil, keeping moisture consistent. Ensure cardoon receives full sun and protection from cold for optimal growth, promoting its architectural beauty in your garden.

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Images of Cardoon

Distribution of Cardoon

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Cardoon

Care Guide for Cardoon

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