Artichoke Thistle
ExplorePlants
Artichoke Thistle
Cynara cardunculus
The Artichoke Thistle is a tall plant with spiky leaves and beautiful purple flowers. It can grow very big and is often found in sunny places. People sometimes eat its buds, which are called artichokes!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Artichoke Thistle is a grand plant featuring striking, deeply lobed, silvery-grey-green leaves with spiny margins. It grows tall, crowned by a large, globe-shaped flower head that bursts into vibrant purple, brush-like florets, resembling a giant thistle.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCynara
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its sap contains an enzyme that can curdle milk, traditionally used to make some cheeses!
Some ancient Romans and Greeks enjoyed eating its tender shoots and flower stalks as a special treat!
This plant's dried stalks are surprisingly strong and have been used for crafting and support!
Though wild, it's the ancestor of the common globe artichoke found in your grocery store!
Special abilities
Ability
Thistle Armor
Artichoke Thistle has sharp, spiny leaves that act like protective armor, helping it deter hungry herbivores from taking a bite.
Ability
Deep Drinker
Artichoke Thistle can grow a long taproot, helping it reach deep underground water sources to survive long dry periods.
Ability
Buzzing Beacon
Artichoke Thistle has large, showy purple flowers that act as a vibrant beacon, attracting many helpful insect pollinators.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 150-250 cm
- Spread
- 100-150 cm
- Flower Size
- 5-15 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui
Feeds on nectar, aiding flower reproduction.
eaten by
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Feeds on ripe seeds.
Traits
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Don't touch the spiky leaves without asking an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Artichoke Thistle?
150-250 cm
How wide does Artichoke Thistle spread?
100-150 cm
How big are the flowers on Artichoke Thistle?
5-15 cm
When does Artichoke Thistle bloom?
Summer to fall
Is Artichoke Thistle edible?
Yes
Is Artichoke Thistle toxic?
None
What is Artichoke Thistle's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Artichoke Thistle pollinated?
Insect
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