Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 42.379100
    [lng] => -88.081100
    [elevation] => 249.4969
    [rainfall] => 900.5006
    [cold_temperature] => -11.4732
    [temperature] => 27.964
    [user_eto] => 845.3375146
)

Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 558
    [eto_corrected] => 1336
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.41766467
)
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Cardoon

(Cynara cardunculus)

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for Round Lake Beach, Illinois

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
• Precipitation 1" - 77" 35" Aquatic Aquatic
• High Temp. 24°F - 106°F 82°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
• Low Temp. 14°F - 65°F 11°F Your winter temperatures may be too cold for this plant Too cold
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.

Summary

Cynara cardunculus, commonly known as Cardoon, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, specifically thriving in grasslands, riparian zones, and scrub areas. It is particularly adapted to the Western Mediterranean’s ecological conditions. The plant can grow between 0.8 to 1.5 meters (31 to 59 inches) tall and is characterized by its deeply lobed, spiny, grey-green tomentose leaves. The violet-purple flowers are showy and produced in a large, spiny capitulum, making a dramatic statement when in bloom. Cardoon is valued for its architectural form and striking foliage, which can add a bold texture to garden borders and is also used for its edible stalks.

Cardoon is cultivated for its ornamental and culinary uses, with the stalks being a traditional vegetable in Mediterranean cuisine. It is also appreciated by gardeners for its drought tolerance once established and its ability to adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. Full sun is essential for optimal growth, and while it can handle some frost, severe cold may kill the plant or cause it to resprout from the base. The plant requires ample space due to its size and has spineless cultivars that are preferred for easier handling. Potential problems include susceptibility to artichoke plume moth and slugs, especially in damp conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to Mediterranean grasslands, riparian zones, and scrub areas

Other Names

Common Names: Spanish Artichoke, Artichoke, Artichoke Thistle, Scotch Thistle, Scottish Thistle, Globe Artichoke, Kardone, Gemüseartischocke, Artischocke, Alcachofa

Scientific Names: Cynara cardunculus, Cynara cardunculus var. altilis, Cynara cardunculus var. inermis, Cynara cardunculus var. cardunculus, Cynara cardunculus var. elata, Cynara cardunculus var. sativa, Cynara cardunculus var. sylvestris, Cynara scolymus subsp. cardunculus, Cynara sylvestris

GBIF Accepted Name: Cynara cardunculus L.