• Common name : Cardoon
• Scientific name : Cynaracardunculus
• Family : Asteraceae
• Native land : Western and Central Mediterranean region
It is a perennial plant. It can reach up to 5 feet tall and spread up to 4 feet wide. Cardoon requires a long, cool growing season, but is a frost-sensitive plant. It typically requires substantial growing space per plant, so is not much grown except where it is regionally popular. The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant for its imposing architectural appearance, with very bright silvery-grey foliage and large flowers in selected cultivars. Edible leafstalks and midribs are tasty when blanched. Unopened flowerheads can be eaten like artichokes.
